isn't it? [taylor swift]

chapter 47

NOW THEY'VE GOT BAD BLOOD? Are popstars Taylor Swift and Leia Hudson feuding?

June 18, 2019. Lucy Richards for TMZ

Taylor Swift's You Need to Calm Down music video was hailed as a celebration of pride and friendship, but despite the overwhelming message of love and unity, fans are now speculating that one of Taylor's closest friendships may have hit a sour note. 

The video famously featured an ensemble of Taylor's celebrity friends and LGBTQ+ allies, but one glaring absence has set the internet ablaze: Leia Hudson.

Fans have speculated that Taylor and Leia's friendship first started when mutual friend, Karlie Kloss (someone who notably has not been linked to either in recent years), likely introduced the pair at the 2016 Met Gala. Three years on, and fans have been treated to various joint appearances from the duo - including Leia's supporting act performances for half of the reputation Stadium Tour which concluded last year.

Leia, a longtime fixture in Taylor's inner circle, was noticeably missing from the star-studded lineup in the music video that included A-listers like Katy Perry, Ryan Reynolds, and Laverne Cox. Katy Perry's appearance made headlines due to the previous feud between Swift and Perry (read the timeline of their infamous fight here!), so it's interesting that one feud may have ended just as another begins.

Leia's absence was enough to spark questions, but things took a dramatic turn when a video from the music video's release party surfaced online over the weekend.

In the now-viral clip, posted by one of Swift's video co-stars, an unidentified voice can be heard saying, "F*** Leia, you don't need that bitch in your life," while Taylor appears to laugh and smile in the background as party go-ers cheered in agreement. While it's unclear if Taylor is laughing at the comment or at something else said at the same time, the explosive comment has left fans reeling with many wondering if there's trouble in paradise for the once-inseparable friends.

Adding fuel to the fire, insiders have hinted that the alleged fallout might be linked to Leia's rumored reconciliation with her ex, Dylan Redcrown - a relationship Taylor was reportedly against from the start.

"Taylor has always been vocal about how she feels Dylan isn't good for Leia," a source close to the singer revealed. "When Leia started spending time with him again, it caused tension. Taylor just didn't want to see her friend get hurt."

Since Leia and Dylan 'hard-launched' their reconciliation back in the middle of March, eagle eyed fans have made several threads online about how Leia and Taylor have ceased on their interactions. While Taylor was always a little bit less public than Leia anyway, fans pointed out that the last Instagram photo she liked was back at the start of March.

Meanwhile, Taylor has chosen to focus on the success of the You Need to Calm Down video, sharing photos and behind-the-scenes moments with her all-star cast. One particularly telling post by her videographer was captioned, "Grateful for the ones who truly understand love and loyalty." Fans quickly interpreted it as a dig at Leia. This post has since been deleted.

The pop world is now divided, with some fans blaming Taylor for allegedly letting personal drama interfere with her message of inclusion and acceptance, while others are defending her.

"Taylor has every right to protect herself from toxic people," one fan tweeted, while another wrote, "If Taylor's preaching unity, she shouldn't be cutting Leia out over a guy."

Industry insiders are divided on what this means for the two stars.

"Leia and Taylor have been through so much together - it's hard to imagine this is the end. Leia has nothing but good things to say about Taylor, and I assume this would be the same for Taylor regarding Leia," one source close Leia provided.