1.1 billion dollar net worth “solely based on songs and performances,” 200 million dollars for her concert documentary, 12 Grammys, most streamed album in one day on Spotify, and the most attended concert by a female artist. Taylor Swift holds the title for all these records and more. She has taken over the world with her 10 albums, concert documentaries, commercials, and now National Football League (NFL) game appearances to support her boyfriend Travis Kelce. However, I would argue that the world has become too obsessed with Swift, with constant paparazzi and national TV coverage breaching her privacy.
The concept of taking photos of famous people has been around since the camera. From presidents, athletes, singers, actors, and writers, the world loves to see what their idols are doing. However, people are catching Swift everywhere. Driving down the street after games, hanging out at restaurants, leaving her apartment – people are always taking photos. Social media platforms like TikTok allow people to spread photos that contain private information such as license plates and locations to millions. For example, when Swift was seen in New Jersey, thousands of people swarmed the restaurant she was in for a chance to see her. That is a safety breach and disruptive to everyone else in the area.
So far this season, Swift has made three appearances at Kansas City Chief games as he supports her rumored boyfriend Chiefs tight end Travis Kelece. It is no secret that men dominate the views of football games. However, when Taylor showed up, viewings went through the roof. On October 1, 2023 (the second game Swift attended), 27 million people watched the NBC-televised New York Jets vs. Kansas City Chiefs game, making it the most watched Sunday show since the 2023 Super Bowl. The game was the most streamed regular season game ever, with Swift shown about 17 times according to CNN. Showing celebrities at events is not a new occurrence, but instead of panning to the sidelines or players after a catch or touchdown, the cameras almost instantly panned to her reaction. Only showing Swift is taking away from the game and special moments such as the exciting touchdown celebrations, embraces after mistakes, and more. The coverage also allows for people to invade Swift’s life which is then turned into public headlines of sensitive moments such as meeting family and friends. Yes, showing Swift is amazing for business, but what about actually showing the players and the game and giving Swift and crew privacy?
Taylor Swift deserves recognition and has been a trailblazer and record-breaker in the music industry. However, the coverage of her has turned into stalking and has become an obsession. To those who argue that Swift is planning this for the publicity, you are giving into it by talking about it. Many of Swift’s songs and interviews have stated how much she values privacy. Swift’s social media accounts are not posting constantly all her outings. The media is the one gathering and posting Swift’s every move. From crying, embracing friends, or even walking out of a restaurant with friends the media has gotten it all. In the pictures, Swift’s head is down and/or not paying attention to the cameras.
Overall, Taylor Swift deserves all the recognition, awards, and more but the newfound fascination with her every move has turned into an obsession. Therefore, people should stop liking posts of paparazzi photos of Swift, of her reaction during NFL games. There is a difference between admiring a celebrity and overall obsessing.