Billboard says sorry to Taylor Swift for using clip of her nude wax figure

FILE PHOTO – Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour June 21, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)

Billboard has issued a public apology to Grammy-award-winning superstar Taylor Swift after sparking backlash over a controversial video celebrating her achievements. 

The video, released alongside the announcement of the “Cruel Summer” singer’s rank as the second greatest pop star of the 21st century, included a clip from Kanye West’s 2016 “Famous” music video, which controversially featured a wax figure resembling Swift.

The inclusion ignited outrage among Swift’s fans, known as Swifties, who took to social media to condemn the move.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the international magazine expressed regret: “We are deeply sorry to Taylor Swift and all of our readers and viewers that in a video celebrating Swift’s achievements, we included a clip that falsely depicted her. We have removed the clip from our video and sincerely regret the harm we caused with this error.”

We are deeply sorry to Taylor Swift and all of our readers and viewers that in a video celebrating Swift’s achievements, we included a clip that falsely depicted her. We have removed the clip from our video and sincerely regret the harm we caused with this error.

— billboard (@billboard) November 28, 2024

In one of X’s latest features, where readers can add context they believe others might find useful, it reads: “For added context, the clip in question was a naked wax figure from Kanye West’s music video. It is revenge porn. Billboard did not make an error as the video had to be approved by multiple staff before posting.”

Despite this misstep, Billboard’s recognition of Swift’s monumental impact on pop culture remains a significant honor.

Announced on Nov. 26, Swift was named the second greatest pop star of the 21st century, lauded for taking “pop stardom to places we hadn’t previously thought possible.”

The accolade places her ahead of industry heavyweights like Rihanna at No. 3, Drake at No. 4 and Lady Gaga in fifth place.

Billboard’s rankings, unveiled in a series of articles, aim to highlight the artists who have defined popular music over the past 25 years.

While Swift’s No. 2 position is an impressive feat, the artist claiming the top spot has yet to be revealed, with the announcement scheduled for next week.