Charli XCX seemingly shades Taylor Swift with SNL Role Model cameo

Charli XCX’s surprise SNL appearance reignites Taylor Swift feud rumors after fans dissect her cryptic T-shirt

Charli XCX is at the center of renewed speculation over a rumored feud with Taylor Swift after making a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live. The pop star, 33, joined musical guest Role Model—real name Tucker Pillsbury—during his performance of “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” on the second episode of SNL’s 51st season, hosted by Amy Poehler.

During the performance, Pillsbury called out, “Where’s my Sally tonight?” before Charli walked on stage wearing a leather miniskirt, sunglasses, and a T-shirt reading “Max’s Kansas City.”

 

 

 

 

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The moment set social media ablaze, with some fans interpreting the T-shirt as a subtle jab at Taylor Swift, whose fiancé, Travis Kelce, plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.

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The alleged tension stems from Swift’s recent song “Actually Romantic,” off her The Life of A Showgirl album, which some fans believe contains veiled references to Charli. The track includes pointed lyrics such as, “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave,” which listeners interpreted as a possible dig at Charli, who has previously referenced drug use in her own music. Another line—“High-fived my ex and then you said you're glad he ghosted me”—is believed by fans to reference Charli’s friendship with Matty Healy, Swift’s ex, and current bandmate of Charli’s husband, George Daniel.

Charli’s 2024 album Brat, which received critical acclaim, features songs like “Sympathy is a Knife” and “Everything is Romantic.” Fans pointed out the title similarities to Swift’s “Actually Romantic,” suggesting a back-and-forth musical subtext between the two artists.

While fans were quick to connect the dots, others pushed back. Some noted that Charli’s “Max’s Kansas City” T-shirt is part of Role Model’s merch line, tied to his 2024 album Kansas Anymore, and references a historic New York City bar—not a dig at Swift. Role Model himself wore the same shirt during SNL promos earlier in the week.

Despite attempts to downplay the moment, speculation continues to swirl online. One fan posted on X, “She knew exactly what she was doing,” while another quipped that Swift was “screaming into her pillows” after seeing the cameo.