Taylor Swift Diss Charli XCX on Her New Album? Here’s What We Know

Taylor Swift has sparked new feud rumors after releasing her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on October 3, 2025. One song, titled “Actually Romantic”, is now being widely discussed as a possible diss aimed at British pop star Charli XCX. While Swift hasn’t confirmed the target, the lyrics and timing have fueled heavy speculation among fans and music critics.

The drama comes after years of subtle tension between the two artists. Charli’s 2024 hit album Brat included the song “Sympathy Is a Knife”, which some fans suspected was about Swift, though Charli denied it. Now Swift’s new track appears to respond to an unnamed rival who allegedly mocked her and interfered in her personal life.

Lyrics and Clues Behind the Taylor Swift–Charli XCX Theory

In “Actually Romantic”, Swift sings: “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave / High-fived my ex and then said you’re glad he ghosted me / Wrote me a song saying it makes you sick to see my face.” Fans believe these lines may reference Charli’s own lyrics about anxiety and the complicated pop scene.

The song’s title also mirrors Charli XCX’s track “Everything Is Romantic” from Brat. Many fans think this was an intentional callback. Critics have noted that both artists share a history through members of the band The 1975 — Swift once dated frontman Matty Healy, while Charli married drummer George Daniel.

Adding more fuel, Swift explained in an Amazon Music album breakdown that the song is about realizing someone “has had a one-sided, adversarial relationship with you … and all of a sudden they start doing too much. You’ve been living in their head rent-free and you had no idea.” While she didn’t name Charli, the description fits the fan narrative.

Charli previously said “Sympathy Is a Knife” was not directed at Swift and called it a reflection of her own insecurities. She even praised Swift publicly last year, with Swift returning the compliment by praising Charli’s melodic creativity. Still, some observers say Swift may have been hurt by public speculation about Charli’s earlier lyrics.

Fan Reactions

Music critics have been split. Some outlets, including major U.S. and U.K. publications, called the song a sharp but cleverly disguised clapback. Others argued Swift might be feeding unnecessary drama and risking alienating fans who love both artists. Social media has erupted with debates under hashtags like #ActuallyRomantic and #SwiftiesVsAngels.

Fans loyal to Charli have expressed disappointment, pointing out Swift’s history of supporting other women in music. Swifties, meanwhile, argue that Taylor has the right to reclaim her story when others make subtle digs. For now, both artists have stayed silent publicly since the album dropped.

Bottom line: Taylor Swift’s “Actually Romantic” has enough pointed lyrics and context to spark rumors of a Charli XCX diss. But without confirmation, it remains speculation fueled by fan analysis and media interpretation.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Does Taylor Swift name Charli XCX in “Actually Romantic”?

No. The song never mentions Charli by name, which keeps the meaning open to interpretation.

Q2: Did Charli XCX say “Sympathy Is a Knife” was about Taylor Swift?

No. Charli denied it and said the song reflects her own self-doubt and anxiety.

Q3: Have either Taylor or Charli commented since the song’s release?

Neither artist has addressed the speculation since the album came out on October 3, 2025.

Q4: Could the song be aimed at someone else?

Yes. Swift often writes ambiguous lyrics that can apply to multiple personal experiences.

Q5: Did the two have past chart competition?

Yes. Some fans noted Swift’s surprise release in the UK last year overlapped with Charli’s deluxe Brat drop, possibly impacting chart positions.