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Pop megastar Taylor Swift’s possible appearance at the Super Bowl is creating a storm not just on the field but also in the realm of right-wing conspiracy theories.
Following her on-field presence after the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens AFC Championship game, conservative pundits took to social media, suggesting without evidence that Swift’s immense popularity is a result of some form of psychological manipulation or a “psy-op.”
Criticism has been mounting, particularly from football fans who are irked by the frequent camera focus on Swift during NFL games. Some right-wing pundits are positing unfounded claims that the hype around Swift is part of an orchestrated plot to boost the Democratic Party’s profile in the lead-up to the presidential election.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican primary candidate, joined the conspiracy bandwagon by suggesting on social media that the Super Bowl might be rigged to favor a “culturally propped-up couple” who could make a “major presidential endorsement” later in the year. While he admitted it was speculation, it adds to the growing chorus of unfounded theories.
This isn’t the first time Swift has been at the center of such conspiracy theories. Earlier this month, conservative commentator Jesse Watters claimed that Swift was potentially a “front for a covert political agenda,” suggesting a Pentagon psy-op involving NATO. The Pentagon categorically dismissed these claims, referring to them as “conspiracy theories.”
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Swift, who was historically apolitical until 2018 when she endorsed two Democrats in Tennessee, has faced criticism from both ends of the political spectrum. While her political engagement has been applauded by some, it has made her a target for others, leading to baseless conspiracy theories.
Swift’s influence extends beyond music and entertainment into the political realm. She has been vocal about her political opinions, endorsing Democratic candidates, urging support for LGBTQ+ rights, and encouraging voter registration and participation. Her immense popularity, with a high favorability rating, has made her a lightning rod for conspiracy theorists, especially on the conservative right.
The debate around Swift’s influence, both in the entertainment industry and in politics, reflects the intersection of pop culture and partisan narratives, with conspiracy theories serving as a tool to delegitimize her impact.
