Here’s Why Fans Think Taylor Swift’s ‘Actually Romantic’ Is About Charli XCX

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Taylor Swift has released her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, and unsurprisingly, it’s already dominating the conversation. As always, every move she makes draws attention—and every lyric is dissected. This time, one track in particular, ‘Actually Romantic,’ is fueling speculation, with many believing it’s aimed at Charli XCX.

The song doesn’t hold back in its opening lines: “I heard you call me boring Barbie when the coke’s got you brave. High-fived my ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me. Wrote me a song saying it makes you sick to see my face.”

Taylor Swift and Charli XCX: A Complicated History

The relationship between the two artists has had its ups and downs. Back in 2018, Charli joined Swift’s Reputation Stadium Tour as an opener. After the tour, she admitted in an interview that it hadn’t been the most fulfilling experience. In fact, she told Pitchfork: “As an artist, it kind of felt like I was getting up on stage and waving to 5-year-olds.”

Charli later clarified that her words had been taken out of context and expressed gratitude for the opportunity Swift had given her. Still, the comment left a lasting mark on how fans viewed the dynamic between the two singers.

But last year, Charli XCX released ‘Sympathy Is a Knife,’ where she sang: “I don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s shows.” Many interpreted the lyric as a nod to the time she was dating Matty Healy, who plays in The 1975 alongside her now-husband, George Daniel.

While Charli later explained the line was about her own insecurities, the tension was already out in the open—even if both artists have only spoken positively about each other in public. At one point, there were even rumors that Taylor might feature on a remix of the track.

That’s why the debate around Swift’s new song isn’t really about whether it’s aimed at Charli XCX—most listeners assume it is—but rather whether Taylor’s response feels disproportionate, especially considering the enormous influence she has.

“Some people might be offended. But it’s actually sweet. All the time you’ve spent with me. It’s honestly wild. All the effort you’ve put in… It’s actually romantic,” Swift sings, offering her own perspective on the supposed feud—if the track is indeed directed at Charli, who may now face pressure to respond.