Taylor Swift’s relationship with Saturday Night Live has always been one of mutual respect and humor.
However, a new report sheds light on an intriguing incident that occurred behind the scenes involving the singer and SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
According to a recent Vulture article, Swift allegedly called Michaels directly to ask him to cut a sketch about her famous “girl squad” that was set to air during a 2015 episode.
The sketch in question was a parody of Swift’s iconic “Bad Blood” music video,
which famously featured Swift and several of her celebrity friends—Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne, and more.
The SNL skit was part of the show’s ongoing spoof of Swift’s pop culture moments, a staple for the comedic institution.
At the time, the sketch was scheduled to feature an exaggerated take on Swift’s “Bad Blood” video, which depicted a fierce group of women battling in a stylized action-packed world. But Swift wasn’t amused by the sketch. According to Vulture’s report, the singer called Michaels personally and requested that he cancel the skit altogether, expressing her discomfort with the portrayal of her “girl squad.”
Michaels, known for his sharp wit and ability to handle the comedy world’s biggest stars, reportedly listened to Swift’s concerns. But instead of simply agreeing to cut the sketch, he responded in a classic Lorne Michaels fashion. The legendary producer, while listening to Swift’s request, casually picked up a piece of popcorn from his desk. Without missing a beat, Michaels allegedly told Swift, “Taylor, I do not negotiate with terrorists,” before tossing the popcorn kernel into the air and catching it in his mouth.
The exchange quickly became one of the more humorous anecdotes from the show’s long history, showcasing Michaels’ blend of diplomacy and humor in dealing with the show’s biggest stars. Despite the tension, SNL went on to air two sketches parodying “Bad Blood.” The first featured cast members Aidy Bryant and Vanessa Bayer as two women trapped in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by Swift and her squad, while the second sketch, “Tina & Amy’s Dope Squad,” starred Tina Fey and Amy Poehler leading their own group that included Amy Schumer, Gayle King, and Robert Downey Sr.
Despite her initial resistance, Swift reportedly softened after the sketches aired. According to the Vulture report, the singer sent Michaels flowers along with a note reading, “I hope there’s no bad blood.” This gesture was a clear sign that, while Swift may have been uncomfortable with the portrayal of her squad, she had a sense of humor about the entire situation.
Swift’s history with SNL has been filled with moments of collaboration and laughter. She made her first appearance on the show in 2009 as a musical guest and has since returned multiple times, both as a performer and as a host. Notably, she hosted SNL in 2009, following the release of her Fearless album, and returned to the stage in November 2021 to promote the release of Red (Taylor’s Version). More recently, she appeared in October 2023 to introduce her friend, rapper Ice Spice, as the musical guest.
Taylor Swift has also shown appreciation for the comedic world’s take on her music. She reacted with humor when Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt parodied her song “All Too Well” on SNL, writing on Instagram, “‘All Too Well’ (Ryan and Emily’s Version)!!! Watch me accidentally catch myself singing this version on tour. This monologue is everything.” This reaction displayed her ability to take comedy about her personal life in stride, a quality that has endeared her to both fans and the comedic community.
In the end, while the 2015 “Bad Blood” sketch drama could have led to a more contentious relationship between Swift and SNL, it instead reinforced her sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself. Lorne Michaels, for his part, managed to maintain the spirit of the show while respecting Swift’s wishes—resulting in a memorable moment that fans will likely continue to talk about for years to come. This interaction between two giants of the entertainment industry serves as a reminder of the humor and diplomacy that goes into making Saturday Night Live a cultural institution.
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