It’s no secret that Taylor Swift has long been a household name, captivating audiences with her music, personality, and high-profile friendships. But few know about a behind-the-scenes moment that showcased her influence and sense of humor. According to a recent report, Swift once had a direct conversation with Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live (SNL), over a sketch that poked fun at her infamous "girl squad." What’s even more surprising is how the situation unfolded—and how it ultimately brought the two back together.
The story begins in 2015, when Michaels reached out to Swift’s team with an unusual request. He wanted the pop superstar to make a surprise cameo on SNL for a sketch that would spoof her hit music video for “Bad Blood.” The original video, released that year, was a dark, action-packed masterpiece featuring Swift and her A-list friends, including Selena Gomez, Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, and Cara Delevingne, among others. The video’s premise—a futuristic, Female-led battle royale—had become a cultural phenomenon, with fans dissecting every frame and celebrity cameo. Michaels, ever the comedic genius, saw an opportunity to reimagine it as an apocalyptic cult spoof, complete with its own star-studded cast.
Swift, however, wasn’t amused when she heard about the sketch. According to Vulture’s report, she personally called Michaels to express her concerns. She asked him to cut the sketch and made it clear she would not be participating in the cameo. Michaels, known for his sharp wit and industry clout, listened to her perspective but ultimately stood his ground. His response? “Taylor, I do not negotiate with terrorists,” he allegedly told her. The sketch went ahead as planned, with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler leading a hilarious ensemble cast that included Amy Schumer, Gayle King, and Robert Downey Sr. The sketch, titled “Dope Squad,” played on the idea of a clique of powerful women facing off in a comedic, over-the-top battle.
Interestingly, the tension between Swift and Michaels seemed to dissipate quickly. After the sketch aired, Swift sent a bouquet of flowers to Michaels’ office with a playful note: “I hope there’s no bad blood.” The gesture spoke volumes about her ability to laugh at herself and move past creative differences. And move past it she did—in the years that followed, Swift went on to appear as a musical guest on SNL in 2017, 2019, and 2021, further solidifying her connection to the show. She even made a surprise cameo in 2023 to introduce Ice Spice as the musical guest, proving that her relationship with Michaels and SNL remained strong.
The “Bad Blood” incident, while brief, offers a fascinating glimpse into Swift’s personality and professionalism. On one hand, it shows her willingness to advocate for herself and her work, even when it means confronting someone as influential as Michaels. On the other hand, it highlights her ability to take a joke and maintain a sense of humor, even when the joke is at her expense. For Michaels, the situation was just another day in the life of a comedy legend—someone who understands that pushing boundaries and taking risks are essential to creating great content.
Looking back, it’s hard not to admire the way both Swift and Michaels handled the situation. Their ability to navigate a potential conflict with grace and humor not only preserved their professional relationship but also led to some memorable moments on SNL. And let’s not forget the original “Bad Blood” video itself, which remains a testament to Swift’s creativity and her ability to bring together a diverse group of talented women for a project that continues to inspire fans. In the end, it’s all about finding that delicate balance between taking yourself seriously and not taking life too seriously—an art that both Swift and Michaels have mastered.
