Taylor Swift Back in the Spotlight: Kanye’s “Carnival” Lyrics Revives Old Feud | Timeline

In their ongoing story, Kanye West once again brought Taylor Swift into the spotlight during a Vultures listening experience in NYC, reviving a history that dates back to the infamous incident of 2009.

2009 MTV VMAs

It all started at the MTV Music Awards when Kanye West jumped onstage and interrupted Taylor Swift’s victory speech. He then declared that Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time and quickly gave the mic back to Taylor. The situation was obviously awkward, leaving many, including celebrity attendees, feeling uncomfortable.

2016: “Famous” Lyrics

In 2016, Kanye West’s song “Famous” fueled their feud with lyrics that targeted Taylor Swift. The music video, which included a naked Taylor, intensified the situation. Check out the lyrics where Kanye mentioned Taylor.

For all my Southside ns that know me best
I feel like me and Taylor might still have s*x
Why? I made that bh famous
I made that bh famous

2016-2018: The Phone Call and Kim Kardashian’s Intervention

Things got even crazier when a private phone call between Kanye and Taylor got leaked online. People started arguing about whether Kanye had permission to use her name in his song. Then, Kim Kardashian jumped in, sharing part of the call and making the whole thing even bigger news. It turned into a big drama that everyone was talking about, and people started taking sides.

2020: Taylor Swift’s Revelation

Talking openly, Taylor Swift told TIME magazine how the issue with Kanye and Kim really hurt her. She said it felt like the end of her career and made her feel sad and scared.

2024: Kanye’s “Carnival” Revives the Feud

At the Vultures listening event, Kanye West mentioned Taylor Swift in his song “Carnival.” Taylor is yet again mentioned as part of the song alongside other controversial figures like Bill Cosby and Elon Musk.

She gon’ take it up the a** (Ha), like a ventriloquist (Ha)
I mean since Taylor Swift (Ha) since I had the Rollie on the wrist (Ha)
I’m the new Jesus, b**** (Ha), I turn water to crist (Ha)
This what, what they did to Chris (Ha), they can’t do shit with this (Ha)
Got my kids in a fake school (Ha), we ain’t— (Ha, ha, ha)