Deputy Editor, Trends, HuffPost
Who’s afraid of little old Taylor Swift fans?
Paste Magazine on Friday published a withering review of “The Tortured Poets Department,” the massive pop star’s latest album. The review was issued with no name attached, and the digital magazine said that this was for the writer’s safety.
“There is no byline on this review due to how, in 2019 when Paste reviewed ‘Lover,’ the writer was sent threats of violence from readers who disagreed with the work,” Paste tweeted, referring to another Swift album. “We care more about the safety of our staff than a name attached to an article.”
Editor’s Note: There is no byline on this review due to how, in 2019 when Paste reviewed ‘Lover,’ the writer was sent threats of violence from readers who disagreed with the work. We care more about the safety of our staff than a name attached to an article.
“The Tortured Poets Department,” released Friday, has so far received mostly positive reviews from critics, though some have been mixed. Rolling Stone raved over the “adult heartbreak” of what may be Swift’s “most personal album yet.” On the other hand, The New York Times noted that the singer-songwriter “could use an editor.”
But Paste’s review was especially biting, contending that Swift “can’t help but infantilize” her fans. It takes aim in particular at the album’s “irredeemable, relentlessly cringe” lyrics, at one point quipping: “This is your songwriter of the century? Open the schools.”
Shortly after the review was published, a writer who noted that she had “nothing to do” with the piece tweeted screenshots of disparaging messages she was receiving from Swifties who were convinced that she penned it.
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
