Taylor Swift may be one of the biggest pop stars in the world,
but even she couldn’t sway Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels when it came to a sketch parodying her infamous 1989-era “squad.”
According to a recent New York Magazine report, a behind-the-scenes showdown between the two cultural icons took place in 2015,
proving that not even Swift’s influence could override Michaels’ vision for the legendary sketch comedy show.
SNL Wanted Taylor Swift to Appear in the Sketch—She Declined
The story begins in 2015 when SNL planned a lighthearted parody of Swift’s “Bad Blood” music video and her tightly knit celebrity squad, which included stars like Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid, and Selena Gomez.
The show initially reached out to Swift, inviting her to participate in the sketch. However, instead of accepting the offer, Swift personally called Michaels to turn it down—and she didn’t stop there.
According to the report, Swift went beyond declining the invitation. She asked Michaels to scrap the entire sketch, seemingly hoping to prevent it from airing altogether.
Lorne Michaels’ Unapologetic Response
Michaels, known for his dry wit and unflappable demeanor, was reportedly unmoved by Swift’s request. His response? A sharp one-liner:
“Taylor, I do not negotiate with terrorists.”
If that wasn’t enough, Michaels then casually tossed a piece of popcorn into the air and caught it in his mouth, adding an extra layer of nonchalance to his refusal. The message was clear—Swift wasn’t going to dictate SNL’s content.
The Sketch Went On as Planned—With an All-Star Cast
Despite Swift’s objections, SNL proceeded with the sketch. It aired during an episode co-hosted by comedy icons Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The parody poked fun at the ultra-glamorous, high-drama aesthetic of Swift’s “Bad Blood” video while gently ribbing the concept of celebrity “squads.”
Adding to the moment, comedian Amy Schumer made a surprise appearance in the sketch, helping to deliver the satire with an extra punch. Though the parody was far from scathing, it was clear that Swift had hoped to keep it off the air.
Swift’s Classy (and Pun-Filled) Response
Although Michaels refused to cave to Swift’s request, the pop star handled the situation with her signature grace—and a clever play on words.
Following the sketch’s broadcast, Swift reportedly sent Michaels a bouquet of flowers along with a note that read:
“I hope there’s no bad blood.”
With that, the tensions between the two seemed to cool, and Swift continued her relationship with SNL in the years that followed.
Taylor Swift’s Continued SNL Appearances
Despite the 2015 disagreement, Swift has returned to SNL multiple times as a musical guest. She performed on the show in 2017, 2019, and 2021, proving that any lingering tension between her and the show’s creator didn’t prevent future collaborations.
During her 2021 appearance, she even participated in a comedic musical sketch alongside Pete Davidson and the Please Don’t Destroy comedy trio. The skit, titled “Three Sad Virgins,” featured Swift delivering one of her signature powerhouse bridges, showing that she was more than willing to poke fun at herself and play along with SNL’s humor.
SNL Prepares for Its 50th Anniversary Celebration
Now, as Saturday Night Live gears up for its massive 50th-anniversary special, all eyes are on the lineup of past cast members, celebrity guests, and legendary musical performances.
Set to air this Sunday, February 16, SNL 50: The Anniversary Special will feature an incredible roster of A-list stars, including Tom Hanks, Bad Bunny, Kim Kardashian, Martin Short, Robert De Niro, Sabrina Carpenter, and Adam Driver.
Additionally, a special SNL “Homecoming Concert” is taking place tonight, February 14, bringing together some of music’s biggest names. Performers include Lady Gaga, Dave Grohl, Post Malone, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, ensuring that the celebration will be just as much about music as it is about comedy.
A Playful Showdown Between Two Powerhouses
The 2015 exchange between Lorne Michaels and Taylor Swift is a reminder that SNL has always maintained its independence, even when dealing with the world’s biggest stars. While Swift may have hoped to keep the sketch from airing, Michaels stood his ground, reinforcing the show’s long-standing tradition of poking fun at pop culture—including the celebrities who help shape it.
In the end, the moment became just another chapter in Swift’s long and evolving relationship with SNL, proving that even when the show takes a playful jab, the best way to respond is with humor—and maybe a bouquet of flowers.
