Taylor Swift Has Been Branded 'Money Greedy' And A 'Capitalist Queen' By Her Dedicated Fans Amid Her Latest 'Cash Grab'

Stephanie Soteriou / BuzzFeed
·6 min read
Throughout her 17 years in the industry, Taylor Swift has earned several nicknames from her devoted fanbase — from Blondie to Miss Americana to T-Swizzle.
Throughout her 17 years in the industry, Taylor Swift has earned several nicknames from her devoted fanbase — from Blondie to Miss Americana to T-Swizzle.

Buda Mendes / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Throughout her 17 years in the industry, Taylor Swift has earned several nicknames from her devoted fanbase — from Blondie to Miss Americana to T-Swizzle.

But lately, Swifties have been referring to their idol as their “capitalist queen” more and more often thanks to Swift's excessive limited edition merch drops that fans are encouraged to buy.
But lately, Swifties have been referring to their idol as their “capitalist queen” more and more often thanks to Swift's excessive limited edition merch drops that fans are encouraged to buy.

Buda Mendes / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

But lately, Swifties have been referring to their idol as their “capitalist queen” more and more often thanks to Swift's excessive limited edition merch drops that fans are encouraged to buy.

Back in August, even the star’s most dedicated fans accused her of a “shameless cash grab” when she released multiple vinyl versions of her
Back in August, even the star’s most dedicated fans accused her of a “shameless cash grab” when she released multiple vinyl versions of her

Hector Vivas / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Back in August, even the star’s most dedicated fans accused her of a “shameless cash grab” when she released multiple vinyl versions of her "1989" rerelease.

While the music on each vinyl was the exact same, they came in different colors and had a different photo of Swift on the cover.
While the music on each vinyl was the exact same, they came in different colors and had a different photo of Swift on the cover.

Kevin Winter / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

While the music on each vinyl was the exact same, they came in different colors and had a different photo of Swift on the cover.

Creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity around the first limited edition drop, Sunrise Boulevard Yellow, Swift warned fans on social media that it was only available to buy for 48 hours.
Creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity around the first limited edition drop, Sunrise Boulevard Yellow, Swift warned fans on social media that it was only available to buy for 48 hours.

Marcelo Endelli / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity around the first limited edition drop, Sunrise Boulevard Yellow, Swift warned fans on social media that it was only available to buy for 48 hours.

But just days after those 48 hours had passed, fans were caught off guard when Swift surprise-dropped yet another version of the vinyl, Aquamarine Green, which was also only available to buy for two days.
But just days after those 48 hours had passed, fans were caught off guard when Swift surprise-dropped yet another version of the vinyl, Aquamarine Green, which was also only available to buy for two days.

Taylor Swift

But just days after those 48 hours had passed, fans were caught off guard when Swift surprise-dropped yet another version of the vinyl, Aquamarine Green, which was also only available to buy for two days.

Each edition of the vinyl was listed on Swift's official store for $31.89, and each one also incurred its own shipping cost because orders for multiple versions were not able to be placed at the same time.
Each edition of the vinyl was listed on Swift's official store for $31.89, and each one also incurred its own shipping cost because orders for multiple versions were not able to be placed at the same time.

Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Each edition of the vinyl was listed on Swift's official store for $31.89, and each one also incurred its own shipping cost because orders for multiple versions were not able to be placed at the same time.

In a subreddit on Swift's dedicated Reddit thread, many of her hardcore fans accused the singer of exploiting them. One Swiftie wrote at the time: “Why. So. Many. Version. Of. The. Same. Damn. Album. Taylor.Why. So. Many. Version. Of. The. Same. Damn. Album. Taylor. I cannot deal with the money grabbing feel.
In a subreddit on Swift's dedicated Reddit thread, many of her hardcore fans accused the singer of exploiting them. One Swiftie wrote at the time: “Why. So. Many. Version. Of. The. Same. Damn. Album. Taylor.Why. So. Many. Version. Of. The. Same. Damn. Album. Taylor. I cannot deal with the money grabbing feel.

Buda Mendes / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

In a subreddit on Swift's dedicated Reddit thread, many of her hardcore fans accused the singer of exploiting them. One Swiftie wrote at the time: “Why. So. Many. Version. Of. The. Same. Damn. Album. Taylor.Why. So. Many. Version. Of. The. Same. Damn. Album. Taylor. I cannot deal with the money grabbing feel."

Another wrote: “The capitalist era will never end, will it,” while one more admitted: “I’m actually getting annoyed she keeps doing this.”
Another wrote: “The capitalist era will never end, will it,” while one more admitted: “I’m actually getting annoyed she keeps doing this.”

Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

Another wrote: “The capitalist era will never end, will it,” while one more admitted: “I’m actually getting annoyed she keeps doing this.”

And it’s true that this was far from the first time that Swift had used these merchandise tactics; back when she released her album
And it’s true that this was far from the first time that Swift had used these merchandise tactics; back when she released her album

TikTok @TaylorSwift

And it’s true that this was far from the first time that Swift had used these merchandise tactics; back when she released her album "Midnights" last year, the star excitedly took to social media to show fans that if they bought four versions of the vinyl then the back of the jackets would create a clock.

Swift also released multiple versions of the album, with each one having different bonus tracks — meaning that if fans wanted to hear all of the songs, they had to buy more than one copy of the album.
Swift also released multiple versions of the album, with each one having different bonus tracks — meaning that if fans wanted to hear all of the songs, they had to buy more than one copy of the album.

Sarah Morris / FilmMagic

Swift also released multiple versions of the album, with each one having different bonus tracks — meaning that if fans wanted to hear all of the songs, they had to buy more than one copy of the album.

With all of this in mind, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Swift apparently reached billionaire status last month, with Bloomberg reporting that she was sitting on a $1.1 billion fortune.
With all of this in mind, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Swift apparently reached billionaire status last month, with Bloomberg reporting that she was sitting on a $1.1 billion fortune.

Marcelo Endelli / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

With all of this in mind, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Swift apparently reached billionaire status last month, with Bloomberg reporting that she was sitting on a $1.1 billion fortune.

And this contributed to the bad taste that was left in fans' mouths on Monday, when Swift revealed that an extended version of her Eras tour concert film would be available to rent on streaming sites as of Dec. 13.
And this contributed to the bad taste that was left in fans' mouths on Monday, when Swift revealed that an extended version of her Eras tour concert film would be available to rent on streaming sites as of Dec. 13.

Buda Mendes / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

And this contributed to the bad taste that was left in fans' mouths on Monday, when Swift revealed that an extended version of her Eras tour concert film would be available to rent on streaming sites as of Dec. 13.

In case you missed it, the film has already been in movie theaters for several weeks, where an adult ticket cost $19.89 plus tax in homage to her
In case you missed it, the film has already been in movie theaters for several weeks, where an adult ticket cost $19.89 plus tax in homage to her

Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images

In case you missed it, the film has already been in movie theaters for several weeks, where an adult ticket cost $19.89 plus tax in homage to her "1989" album.

And this homage has continued into the streaming world, with a press release stating that it will also cost $19.89 to rent the film for 48 hours on various digital platforms,
And this homage has continued into the streaming world, with a press release stating that it will also cost $19.89 to rent the film for 48 hours on various digital platforms,

Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

And this homage has continued into the streaming world, with a press release stating that it will also cost $19.89 to rent the film for 48 hours on various digital platforms, "honoring the legendary artist’s birth year and the title of her Grammy Award-winning album.”

But fans are not impressed with this price tag and have criticized Swift for taking an opportunity to make even more money by only letting people rent the concert film instead of allowing them to buy it to keep or stream as part of their subscription.
But fans are not impressed with this price tag and have criticized Swift for taking an opportunity to make even more money by only letting people rent the concert film instead of allowing them to buy it to keep or stream as part of their subscription.

Kevin Winter / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

But fans are not impressed with this price tag and have criticized Swift for taking an opportunity to make even more money by only letting people rent the concert film instead of allowing them to buy it to keep or stream as part of their subscription.

why wouldn’t she make it free. she’s a billionaire & we’ve already paid to see it in movies 😭😭

— vic ❀🇵🇸 (@wisteriawilloww) November 27, 2023 ">“why wouldn’t she make it free,” one Swiftie asked on X, formerly known as Twitter. “she’s a billionaire & we’ve already paid to see it in movies.”

i’m sorry but mother has been getting kinda money greedy recently cause ain’t no way she needs to make it $20 to see one time she’s literally a billionaire 😭

— macy (taylor’s version) (@macythebird) November 27, 2023 ">“I’m sorry but mother has been getting kinda money greedy recently cause ain’t no way she needs to make it $20 to see one time she’s literally a billionaire,” another echoed.

“And why can’t we buy it once?” one more asked.
“And why can’t we buy it once?” one more asked.

Twitter @eggscrams / Via Twitter: @eggscrams

“And why can’t we buy it once?” one more asked.

And once again, Swift's most dedicated fans were expressing their disappointment over on the star’s Reddit page, with one commenting: “she is really finding a way to get every single dollar she can get out of this. renting is crazy.”
And once again, Swift's most dedicated fans were expressing their disappointment over on the star’s Reddit page, with one commenting: “she is really finding a way to get every single dollar she can get out of this. renting is crazy.”

Reddit

And once again, Swift's most dedicated fans were expressing their disappointment over on the star’s Reddit page, with one commenting: “she is really finding a way to get every single dollar she can get out of this. renting is crazy.”

“Capitalist queen for real,” another wrote. One more agreed: “Enough with the cash grabs girl. You have like a billion dollars. Releasing every CD with 8 different versions was already too much but this just feels egregious. Just let it stream or let people straight up buy it. This feels icky.”
“Capitalist queen for real,” another wrote. One more agreed: “Enough with the cash grabs girl. You have like a billion dollars. Releasing every CD with 8 different versions was already too much but this just feels egregious. Just let it stream or let people straight up buy it. This feels icky.”

Reddit

“Capitalist queen for real,” another wrote. One more agreed: “Enough with the cash grabs girl. You have like a billion dollars. Releasing every CD with 8 different versions was already too much but this just feels egregious. Just let it stream or let people straight up buy it. This feels icky.”

Reddit

Somebody else wrote: “I’m kinda tired of her releasing one thing and then different versions of it later. I want to buy the thing and that’s it, I know I’ve gotten the complete item. Not dribs and drabs of it,” to which another fan replied: “The general vibe is that people are unimpressed by this blatant cash grab.”
Somebody else wrote: “I’m kinda tired of her releasing one thing and then different versions of it later. I want to buy the thing and that’s it, I know I’ve gotten the complete item. Not dribs and drabs of it,” to which another fan replied: “The general vibe is that people are unimpressed by this blatant cash grab.”

Reddit

Somebody else wrote: “I’m kinda tired of her releasing one thing and then different versions of it later. I want to buy the thing and that’s it, I know I’ve gotten the complete item. Not dribs and drabs of it,” to which another fan replied: “The general vibe is that people are unimpressed by this blatant cash grab.”

And others were uncomfortable with the fact that Swift had withheld three songs from the movie theater release of her concert film that would now be available in the rented version. This means that even if fans had paid to see the film in the theater, they have to pay again if they want to watch these additional performances.
And others were uncomfortable with the fact that Swift had withheld three songs from the movie theater release of her concert film that would now be available in the rented version. This means that even if fans had paid to see the film in the theater, they have to pay again if they want to watch these additional performances.

Fernando Leon / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

And others were uncomfortable with the fact that Swift had withheld three songs from the movie theater release of her concert film that would now be available in the rented version. This means that even if fans had paid to see the film in the theater, they have to pay again if they want to watch these additional performances.

Mocking Swift's Instagram announcement, one person wrote: “‘It would be a really fun way to celebrate my birthday by making more money off you so you can watch the three songs I strategically cut from the movie. Happy birthday to me!’ I love her but it has really gotten out of hand.”
Mocking Swift's Instagram announcement, one person wrote: “‘It would be a really fun way to celebrate my birthday by making more money off you so you can watch the three songs I strategically cut from the movie. Happy birthday to me!’ I love her but it has really gotten out of hand.”

Reddit

Mocking Swift's Instagram announcement, one person wrote: “‘It would be a really fun way to celebrate my birthday by making more money off you so you can watch the three songs I strategically cut from the movie. Happy birthday to me!’ I love her but it has really gotten out of hand.”

Others noted that Swift's performance of “Cardigan” still isn’t included in this extended version of the concert film, and speculated that she will soon find another way to charge fans who want to watch that.
Others noted that Swift's performance of “Cardigan” still isn’t included in this extended version of the concert film, and speculated that she will soon find another way to charge fans who want to watch that.

Taylor Hill / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Others noted that Swift's performance of “Cardigan” still isn’t included in this extended version of the concert film, and speculated that she will soon find another way to charge fans who want to watch that.

“For new years she'll release the extended (3 am version) that includes cardigan for rent,” one joked. Another mused: “Cardigan will be added in the extended extended version.”
“For new years she'll release the extended (3 am version) that includes cardigan for rent,” one joked. Another mused: “Cardigan will be added in the extended extended version.”

Reddit

“For new years she'll release the extended (3 am version) that includes cardigan for rent,” one joked. Another mused: “Cardigan will be added in the extended extended version.”

Reddit

Swift completed her 2023 Eras Tour dates in Brazil on Sunday and will return to the stage in Tokyo, Japan on February 7.
Swift completed her 2023 Eras Tour dates in Brazil on Sunday and will return to the stage in Tokyo, Japan on February 7.

Buda Mendes/TAS23 via Getty Images

Swift completed her 2023 Eras Tour dates in Brazil on Sunday and will return to the stage in Tokyo, Japan on February 7.

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