Taylor Swift fans enraged as Billboard uses Kanye’s 'Famous' naked clip in her tribute video; apology issued

Taylor Swift's fans, known as Swifties, erupted in anger after Billboard shared a tribute video celebrating her recent accolade as the second greatest pop star of the 21st century. The controversy stemmed from the inclusion of a clip from Kanye West’s infamous 2016 music video Famous, which featured a nude wax figure resembling Swift.

Why Swifties Are Outraged?

The tribute video, posted on Billboard’s social media accounts, highlighted Swift's illustrious career. However, it also included controversial footage from Famous, where West claims credit for Swift’s success, singing, "I made that b**ch famous." Fans were quick to call out the video, deeming it disrespectful and offensive.

“A man should never define a woman’s success,” one fan wrote on social media. Others demanded a public apology, labeling the clip as "disgusting" and "shameful."

Billboard Issues Apology

In response to the backlash, Billboard swiftly removed the video and issued an apology across its platforms. “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,” the statement read. “We have removed the clip and sincerely regret the harm caused.”


The revised tribute video excluded the Famous footage, but the damage had already been done, reigniting discussions about West and Swift's long-standing feud.

The Feud: A Timeline of Controversy

The Famous video, released in 2016, featured wax figures of Swift, West, and other celebrities in a controversial setup. At the time, Swift publicly denied consenting to the derogatory lyrics. West’s then-wife, Kim Kardashian, released an edited recording of a phone call suggesting otherwise. However, in 2020, the full recording surfaced, confirming Swift’s claims of being misrepresented.

Reflecting on the incident, Swift told TIME magazine, “It was a fully manufactured frame job... That took me down psychologically to a place I’ve never been before.”

Taylor Swift’s Legacy

Despite the controversy, the tribute video celebrated Swift's unparalleled achievements. She holds numerous records, including being the only artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammys four times and achieving unprecedented success with her Eras Tour, which became the highest-grossing tour of all time in 2023.

Billboard described Swift as “the most famous woman in the world” and praised her for reshaping cultural norms. They noted, “Her sharp pen, her relatable girl-next-door awkwardness, and her ability to bend culture to her will have made her an undisputed pop icon.”

While Billboard crowned Beyoncé as the greatest pop star of the 21st century, placing Swift in second, some fans expressed disappointment over the ranking. However, Billboard anticipated this reaction, stating, “The fact that controversy surrounds her ranking is a testament to her power.”