Actress Olivia Wilde is trying to smooth things over after facing criticism for an Instagram post that mocked Taylor Swift’s new relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce.
Wilde told paparazzi on Sunday that she “meant no harm” and her comment was “obviously” about the excessive media attention paid to celebrity romances.
The controversy started when Wilde reposted a tweet to her Instagram story last week that read “I wish Taylor Swift was in love with a climate scientist.”
The post angered Swift’s loyal fanbase, who called out Wilde as a hypocrite and noted her own history of dating famous men like Harry Styles.
“Didn’t she date Harry Styles or am I missing something,” one fan wrote on Twitter, referencing Wilde’s past relationship with the singer.
Some felt Wilde unfairly targeted Swift, while celebrities aren’t expected to be dating climate experts. A few defended the post as an obvious joke.
Wilde’s remark came amidst intensifying buzz around Swift’s budding relationship with Kelce. The two displayed public affection at a Chiefs game and Saturday Night Live after-party.
Tabloids have closely followed Swift and Kelce’s interactions, including their hangouts with each other’s inner circles. Wilde’s commentdismissively piled on amidst the media frenzy.
By explaining herself, Wilde aimed to smooth tensions with Swift’s passionate supporters. She characterized the post as mocking obsessive celebrity coverage, not Swift herself.
Wilde maintains she did not intend real criticism of Swift’s personal life. While fans felt it unfairly singled out the singer, Wilde insists that wasn’t her goal.
Her attempt to clarify suggests Wilde recognizes the influence Swift and her fandom wield. Upsetting the singer’s followers sparked immediate backlash she seems eager to quell.
While Wilde called the post a joke, many fans felt it derided Swift rather than the media. The outrage indicates the fierce protectiveness Swift inspires in her supporters.
By addressing the anger, Wilde hopes to quiet a tempest ignited by a few flippant words. The miscalculation highlights the risk of even playfully provoking Swift’s loyal devotees.
