In 2015, pop superstar Taylor Swift requested that “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) remove a sketch parodying her “girl squad” from its lineup. Despite her request, SNL creator Lorne Michaels declined, humorously stating, “I do not negotiate with terrorists,” and proceeded to air the sketch as planned.
The sketch in question humorously depicted Swift’s “Bad Blood” music video, which featured her A-list group of friends, including Selena Gomez, Karlie Kloss, and Gigi Hadid. The parody portrayed the “girl squad” in a post-apocalyptic setting, highlighting the song’s themes of betrayal and empowerment.
After the sketch aired, Swift sent Michaels flowers and a note reading, “I hope there’s no bad blood,” acknowledging the playful nature of the parody and expressing no hard feelings.
This incident underscores the dynamic relationship between celebrities and the media, particularly in the realm of satire. While public figures like Swift may request changes to content that parodies them, platforms like SNL often choose to proceed with their creative decisions, balancing artistic expression with respect for the individuals involved.
Over the years, Swift has appeared on SNL multiple times, both as a host and musical guest, demonstrating her ability to engage with satire and humor. Her interactions with the show reflect a mutual respect and understanding of the role of parody in public life.
In summary, the 2015 incident where Taylor Swift requested the removal of an SNL sketch parodying her “girl squad” highlights the interplay between celebrities and media satire. Despite her request, the sketch aired, and Swift responded graciously, exemplifying the complex yet respectful relationship between public figures and the media.