Bad blood between Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff? Fans speculate amid new signs of tension

Charli XCX’s new project with Jack Antonoff has reignited speculation of a falling out between him and Taylor Swift

Charli XCX’s latest collaboration with producer Jack Antonoff on the upcoming A24 film Mother Mary has reignited speculation that Antonoff and Taylor Swift may no longer be as close as they once were.

The rumours come after fans noticed Antonoff’s complete absence from the production credits of Swift’s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, a significant change after years of consistent collaboration.

Antonoff, who has been Swift’s trusted creative partner since 1989, co-produced all her albums through The Tortured Poets Department.

His omission from her latest project, which instead saw Swift reuniting with pop producers Max Martin and Shellback, has led to online discussion of a possible professional and personal rift.

Charli’s involvement adds another layer to the narrative. Her 2024 song "Sympathy Is a Knife" from Brat was widely interpreted by fans as referencing insecurities tied to Swift, particularly given Charli’s marriage to George Daniel of The 1975, the band fronted by Swift’s ex-boyfriend, Matty Healy.

Swift’s later release, "Actually Romantic", was seen by many as a lyrical response, with fans dissecting lines such as “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’.”

Adding further intrigue, Antonoff’s wife, actress Margaret Qualley, recently revealed she channelled Healy’s persona for her new role in Honey, Don’t!—a curious crossover linking Swift’s ex, her longtime collaborator, and one of her friends.