Photo — Taylor Swift: Taylor Swift (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Charli XCX: Harald Krichel / WikiPortraits (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Short Version
Public speculation regarding a dispute between Taylor Swift and Charli XCX escalated following the release of Charli's 2024 track 'Sympathy Is a Knife' and Swift's 2025 track 'Actually Romantic', widely characterised by fans and media as a response track.
Latest Development
Charli XCX shares recording studio video
Charli XCX posted a video snippet on Instagram showing her in the studio with her producer, which media outlets interpreted as a response to Swift's song.
October 5, 2025 · Public statement
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
October 5, 2025
Charli XCX shares recording studio video
Public statementCharli XCX posted a video snippet on Instagram showing her in the studio with her producer, which media outlets interpreted as a response to Swift's song.
Source ↗October 3, 2025
Taylor Swift releases 'Actually Romantic'
Verified eventTaylor Swift released her album The Life of a Showgirl featuring 'Actually Romantic', containing lyrics widely interpreted by media and listeners as a response to Charli XCX.
Source ↗October 11, 2024
Taylor Swift praises Charli XCX's songwriting
Public statementIn a quote published by New York Magazine, Taylor Swift praised Charli XCX's melodic sensibilities and inventive songwriting.
Source ↗June 7, 2024
Charli XCX releases 'Sympathy Is a Knife'
Verified eventCharli XCX released her album Brat containing 'Sympathy Is a Knife', which fans and commentators speculated was written about her anxieties regarding Taylor Swift during Swift's brief relationship with Matty Healy.
Source ↗June 2024
Charli XCX denies releasing diss tracks
Public statementCharli XCX posted a TikTok video clarifying that tracks on Brat were not diss tracks, explaining they addressed her personal insecurities and self-doubt as a female artist.
Source ↗August 2019
Charli XCX comments on performing on tour
Public statementIn an interview with Pitchfork, Charli XCX stated that performing on tour felt like getting on stage and waving to five-year-olds, which drew criticism from Swift's fanbase.
Source ↗2018
Charli XCX opens for Taylor Swift on the Reputation Stadium Tour
Verified eventCharli XCX performed as an opening act across more than 50 dates on Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour and joined Swift on stage during concerts.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Cooling Off. Media and fans interpreted Swift's track 'Actually Romantic' as a direct response to Charli XCX's lyrics, while Charli XCX posted footage from a recording studio shortly after the release of Swift's album.
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Sources
- 1.SourceCharli XCX shares recording studio video · Oct 5, 2025
- 2.SourceTaylor Swift releases 'Actually Romantic' · Oct 3, 2025
- 3.SourceTaylor Swift praises Charli XCX's songwriting · Oct 11, 2024
- 4.SourceCharli XCX releases 'Sympathy Is a Knife' · Jun 7, 2024
- 5.SourceCharli XCX denies releasing diss tracks ·
- 6.SourceCharli XCX comments on performing on tour ·
- 7.SourceCharli XCX opens for Taylor Swift on the Reputation Stadium Tour ·
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.