Charli XCX has seemingly responded to Taylor Swift‘s “chart-blocking” tactic that stored Brat out of the number-one spot within the UK. Swift’s album The Tortured Poets Division has held its place on the prime since its launch in April, however when Charli XCX’s sixth studio album (launched June 7) threatened that reign, some followers accused Swift of utilizing a “grasping” tactic to keep up primary.
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Slightly context first. A restricted version of TTPD, which included new bonus tracks, was launched solely out there in the UK and it means Swift has now secured six weeks on the prime of the charts. The timing, followers say, is curious.
“Taylor was going for her longest-ever streak at primary on the UK album charts. And simply after the information broke that Charli was in primary, [Swift] pulled this transfer and dropped extra particular editions of The Tortured Poets Division,” podcaster Sam Murphy on TikTok. “Now, I perceive that a few of these issues are deliberate, however this was not a worldwide launch. This was particularly focused to UK clients, which certainly means it’s in regards to the charts.”
The response from Brat followers has been, ahem, swift. “A stolen win isn’t an actual win, charli xcx is the winner SAY WHAT YOU WANT IDC, [sic]” tweeted one fan. “Taylor swift is grasping and the farthest factor from a feminist, a minimum of Charli has expertise, [sic]” mentioned one other.
Throughout her Los Angeles present on June 15, 2024, Charli XCX gave a refined response to the controversy. She requested the gang, “What’s the subsequent tune?” and regarded on the setlist earlier than realizing it was “Sympathy With a Knife.” The viewers cheered in response. “That’s attention-grabbing,” Charli XCX mentioned, including, “I simply really feel like artistry shines by way of.”
“Sympathy With a Knife” is purported to be about Swift, who had a wild two-month-long fling with The 1975 frontman Matty Healy. Charli, in the meantime, is engaged to the band’s drummer George Daniel. “Don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s present / Fingers crossed behind my again, I hope they break up fast,” Charli sings. (Charli and Daniel didn’t grow to be engaged till November, months after Swift and Healy cut up, so her calling him her “boyfriend” is smart.)