Kaylah Walton
As Saturday Night Live prepares for its much-awaited 50th anniversary special, nostalgic tales about this iconic sketch series and its veteran producer, Lorne Michaels, are making the rounds.
One such intriguing story involves a notable interaction between Michaels and pop sensation, Taylor Swift.
The Iconic SNL Tiff: Taylor Swift vs. Lorne Michaels
An article from Vulture revisits a noteworthy episode from 2015 when SNL intended to create a sketch that humorously criticized Swift’s passionate fanbase, likening it to a cult from a dystopian era.
While Michaels envisioned having the singer featured in the skit, Swift unexpectedly declined.
She went further, directly addressing Michaels to express her strong objections to the proposed sketch.
Although Michaels listened attentively to her concerns, he quickly came back with a witty retort.
After her compelling argument, he humorously grabbed some popcorn and said, “Taylor, I don’t negotiate with terrorists.”
Despite her disapproval, the skit aired as planned, showcasing Aidy Bryant and Vanessa Bayer as they navigated a surreal world overtaken by Swift’s obsessed fans.
However, instead of holding a grudge, Swift took a lighthearted approach.
Post-broadcast, Michaels found a bouquet waiting in his office, accompanied by a note from Swift stating, “I hope there’s no bad blood.”
This amusing tale has resurfaced as Michaels, now 80, looks towards potential retirement after guiding SNL since its inception in 1975, barring a brief break in the early ’80s.
While his future plans are still unclear, he recently mentioned to Entertainment Tonight, “We’ll have the 50th anniversary show in February 2025, so I’ll definitely be there for that… and we will figure out our next steps before then.“
On her part, Swift continues to have strong ties to SNL, having appeared as both a musical guest and a host. Most recently, she made a surprise appearance in October 2023, alongside her partner, NFL player Travis Kelce.
As SNL approaches its landmark anniversary, these intriguing behind-the-scenes stories shed light on the show’s rich history, highlighting unexpected encounters that have shaped its legacy.
