Addison Rae Weighs In on the Rumored Friction Between Charli xcx and Taylor Swift
Addison Rae is well aware that in the hyper-scrutinized world of pop music, fame can be a double-edged sword—especially when it involves the perceived friction between industry heavyweights. In a candid profile published by The Los Angeles Times on Thursday, the TikTok-sensation-turned-pop-star addressed the persistent rumors of a rivalry between her close friend Charli xcx and Taylor Swift.
When questioned about the alleged tension—stemming back to when the two shared the stage during Swift’s 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour—and whether she feels forced to navigate “pop-girl rivalries,” Rae remained diplomatic. “I suppose we’ll just have to see,” she noted, before delving deeper into the nature of industry drama.
“There is so much more nuance to these situations than people realize,” Rae continued, discussing the pressure to “pick a side.” she added, “Some people engage in questionable behavior, and I generally try to steer clear of those circles.”
Rae’s connection to Charli xcx is more than just social; the British alt-pop visionary was a pivotal early advocate for Rae’s musical ambitions. Their creative partnership has yielded tracks like “2 Die 4” from Rae’s debut EP, and Addison returned the favor by appearing on the Brat remix album.
The Anatomy of a Fan-Fueled Feud
While neither Swift nor Charli has officially confirmed a fallout, the internet has been ablaze with theories since the release of Charli’s Brat. Fans specifically pointed to the track “Sympathy Is a Knife,” which explores feelings of insecurity in the presence of another prominent woman, as a potential jab at Swift. Conversely, some listeners interpreted Swift’s song “Actually Romantic” as a subtle retort.
Beyond the lyrics, the narrative of competition was fueled by chart dynamics. In 2024, some observers suggested Swift’s release of limited-edition UK versions of The Tortured Poets Department was a strategic move to prevent Brat from reaching the top spot. Furthermore, the social web is tangled: Swift previously dated Matty Healy, who is a bandmate of Charli’s husband, George Daniel.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be a conflict, but I understand why people find it entertaining,” Rae told the L.A. Times. “Throughout history, there has always been this sense of competition—whether friendly or otherwise. It’s a very human impulse to want to surpass the standards set by others, but I’m not interested in participating in that myself.”
Setting the Record Straight
Despite the gossip, both artists have publicly signaled mutual respect. Charli xcx previously intervened when fans began a derogatory chant about Swift during a performance in Brazil. Similarly, Swift offered high praise for Charli in a statement to Vulture last August, stating, “I’ve been blown away by Charli’s melodic sensibilities… Her writing is surreal and inventive, always.”
Reflecting on her own journey through the “weird” politics of the music business, Rae admitted that drama often happens behind closed doors. She recounted an experience during the production of her record where a collaborator’s influence led to some “confusing” creative overlaps.
“On my project with producers Luka and Elvira, we had considered involving someone but ultimately decided it wasn’t the right fit,” Rae explained. “There was no animosity, but suddenly, that person was working with someone else and the results sounded strikingly similar. The timeline was certainly… interesting.”
