Kaylah Walton
Ben Shapiro has issued a pointed critique of several notable celebrities, particularly targeting Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez, whom he accuses of acting like teenagers to maintain their popularity.
The conservative commentator, known for his candid opinions on cultural and political matters, claims these stars are holding onto youthful personas long after they should have moved on, in a desperate attempt to stay relevant with younger fans.
His criticisms kicked off with Swift, who he condemned for continuing to depict herself as a young, heartbroken teenager through her music, which remains popular as demonstrated by her successful Eras Tour.
“You can see this in Taylor Swift’s lyrics,” Shapiro remarked on his podcast. “She presents herself as a lovesick 16-year-old girl.”
“Yet, Taylor Swift is currently 35 years old.”
He broadened his criticism to include other stars, such as Katy Perry and Jennifer Lopez. The 40-year-old Perry faced scrutiny for “embarrassing herself” in her recent showcases.
Meanwhile, the 55-year-old Lopez was particularly noted for a controversial act at the American Music Awards (AMAs), where her suggestive kiss with backup dancers echoed Madonna’s iconic performance.
Shapiro presented his remarks as part of a larger cultural issue, expressing concern over the phenomenon where older entertainers refuse to embrace their actual age, opting instead for teenage-like behavior.
“This trend is evident in our culture,” the 41-year-old Shapiro stated. “There are many individuals pretending to be 17, while truly being middle-aged.”
“If you are at a middle age, you ought to conduct yourself accordingly… You shouldn’t act like a desperate 17 or 21-year-old seeking attention.”
Typically, “middle-aged” in the United States refers to those aged between 40 and 60, but Shapiro’s focus is on the broader reluctance of aging entertainers to accept their maturity.
Shapiro’s Critics Respond
Additionally, he took aim at comedian and podcaster Theo Von, 45, for dressing and behaving much younger than his actual age, lamenting a perceived decline in cultural sophistication.
However, critics questioned his obsession with the lifestyles of celebrities, pointing out his relative lack of prominence compared to the widespread appeal of figures like Swift.
One commentator remarked, “Are you jealous? People travel around the globe to see Taylor Swift, and you’re insignificant in the podcasting world. You’ve lost.”
Another retorted simply, “Utterly absurd.”
Shapiro wrapped up by pondering whether this trend would persist indefinitely, suggesting it represents a more profound societal transformation occurring across the United States.
Despite the backlash, he remains a polarizing yet influential voice in contemporary political and cultural discourse in the US. His podcast boasts a 4.4-star rating on Apple and once ranked second in popularity according to Podtrac.
