The statement, which emerged amid discussions with colleagues including Matt Walsh, Ben Shapiro, and others, not only highlighted Owens’ disdain for Swift’s musical narratives and business maneuvers but also ignited a broader conversation about feminism and cultural influence.
Owens’ critique centered on Swift’s historical tendency to weave her personal experiences with ex-partners into her music, as well as her highly publicized struggle to reclaim her music rights from Scooter Braun, who acquired Big Machine Label Group in 2019. Owens accused Swift of manipulating her fanbase to navigate business disputes, stating, “She tries to manipulate her audiences to get out of deals and contracts, she’s totally insane.”
The characterization of Swift’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce as a mere “business move” further exemplified Owens’ skepticism towards Swift’s authenticity, both in her personal life and her feminist advocacy. Owens specifically took issue with Swift’s past acknowledgment of Lena Dunham’s influence on her understanding of feminism, suggesting that Swift has commodified the feminist movement for personal gain.
While Walsh, another Daily Wire host, concurred with Owens’ general sentiment towards Swift, he expressed reservations about labeling her the “most toxic feminist ever,” indicating the complexity and diversity of feminist discourse in contemporary culture. Walsh advocated for a more constructive approach from conservatives, suggesting the development of counter-cultural contributions rather than mere criticism.