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| SZA Sparks Debate After Liking TikTok Criticizing Taylor Swift for Alleged Cultural Appropriation in “Eldest Daughter” |
R&B singer SZA attracted fresh online attention after she liked a TikTok video that criticized Taylor Swift for alleged cultural appropriation in her new song “Eldest Daughter”, from the album The Life of a Showgirl. The video, which had fewer than 50 likes at the time, accused Swift of using Black vernacular in a way that feels forced. It also claimed there were subtle disses toward Megan Thee Stallion, tied to rumors of a flirtation between Swift and Travis Kelce.
Many fans of Swift were disappointed to see SZA interact with that TikTok. On X (formerly Twitter), Swift’s supporters expressed surprise and frustration. They reminded SZA of past moments when she publicly supported Swift — shoutouts at the Grammy Awards, comments about wanting to collaborate, warm words about Swift’s songwriting. The shift in tone from those earlier gestures to this TikTok-like has left some fans confused.
SZA liked a video accusing Taylor Swift of inappropriately using Black culture terms and subtly shading Megan Thee Stallion — whom Travis Kelce allegedly tried to date. pic.twitter.com/mFhDy0ZGDH
— Pop Breaking News! (@popbreaknews) October 17, 2025
The TikTok in question is low engagement. It’s not a viral video. Yet, SZA’s like gave it more visibility. Critics of Swift argue that in “Eldest Daughter,” some lines feel like she’s leaning into African American speech patterns without full ownership. Those critics claim it comes off as appropriation — borrowing from a culture without real understanding or accountability. The additional charge is that Swift is also taking subtle shots at Megan, perhaps because of the chatter that she and Travis might have exchanged friendly messages. Some see that as Swift trying to stake her own ground in a domain that includes rap and Black female voices.
On X, Swift’s fans are vocal. Some wrote:
“Why would SZA do this after all her love for Taylor? It hurts.”
“This is so out of left field. She’s usually supportive.”
“She had a platform to lift Taylor up — now she’s giving airtime to haters?”
At the same time, others pushed back — defending SZA’s right to voice criticism, especially as a Black artist. They say she has a lived context others can’t fully grasp. One commenter wrote:
“She’s not obligated to always cheerlead. Critique is part of respect too.”
“A Black artist commenting on how vernacular is used — that’s her lane.”
So far, neither Swift nor SZA has responded. No statements, no posts addressing the controversy. Their silence has only made the speculation louder. Some wonder: was this like “accidental,” or was it intentional? Was SZA showing agreement, or simply amplifying critique?
Media watchers note that celebrity social media interactions are never neutral. A like can serve as tacit endorsement. In pop culture discussions today, the line between casual reaction and deliberate comment is thin. When a major artist like SZA engages with a critique of another major artist like Swift — especially around topics of race, language, and power — people inevitably read meaning into it.
It’s notable that the video being low-visibility makes the move more striking. It wasn’t a trending post. That suggests SZA or someone managing her account scrolled deep. That strengthens the sense among Swift fans that this wasn’t a random click.
Some industry voices caution against jumping to conclusions. Artists often engage with criticism for discussion, not always to attack. And alliances in music shift. But the fact that Swift’s fanbase is reacting so sharply shows how invested they are in her image and reputation.
At the moment, we’re in a waiting game. Either SZA or Swift—or both—may eventually break silence. When they do, it could clarify whether this is a small echo or the start of a larger cultural conversation. For now: one quiet “like,” a TikTok buried in obscurity, and an online storm of speculation.
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