Swift Criticized For Legally Threatening Student Publicly Tracking Her Flights

Singer Taylor Swift has received criticism for threatening legal action against a college student who uses public flight data to track the singer’s flights on private jets.

University of Central Florida student Jack Sweeny, who has gained prominence on social media for following celebrities’ private jet usage, revealed that Swift’s lawyers sent him a cease-and-desist letter in December 2023, saying that the singer lives her “life in a constant state of fear for her personal safety” because of the student’s “reckless” actions.

“While this may be a game for you or an avenue that you hope will earn you wealth or fame, it is a life-of-death matter” for Swift, the letter reads.

Swift’s letter to Sweeney prompted a massive backlash against the singer on social media.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, some users accused the singer of trying to “hide” her hypocrisy concerning climate change since she actively uses private jets, which emit more carbon emissions on average compared to commercial aircraft.

“Private jets are the epitome of climate injustice. The super-rich are burning our planet for their own indulgences and perceived glamour,” one person wrote.

“A private jet’s flight path is publically available information. Why in the world does Taylor Swift think she’s special in any way. Does she want to be an ecoterrorist in private, and destroy the environment without public scrutiny?” another user wrote.

Swift is scheduled to perform four times at the Tokyo Dome in Japan and later travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend the Super Bowl between the National Football League’s (NFL) Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.

Swift’s usage of private jets comes after the singer spoke against the “horrific situation” of climate change.

The singer recently made headlines after polls showed that an endorsement from her could influence the 2024 presidential election.

A poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies showed that 18% of American voters said they were “more likely” or “significantly likely” to vote for a presidential contender endorsed by Swift.

In 2020, Swift endorsed then-presidential candidate Joe Biden. President Joe Biden’s 2024 reelection campaign is reportedly strategizing to garner Swift’s endorsement.