The stage lights were bright on Saturday Night Live this past October 11, but it was a T-shirt that truly shone. Charli XCX made a surprise appearance during Role Model’s debut on the famous sketch show. She joined Role Model, whose real name is Tucker Harrington Pillsbury, 28, to perform his song "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out." What got everyone talking, though, was Charli’s outfit, especially her shirt.
Charli, 33, walked onto the stage in a leather miniskirt and sunglasses. Her black T-shirt proudly displayed "Max’s Kansas City." This choice quickly sent fans into a frenzy online. Many wondered if it was a subtle jab at Taylor Swift, 35. Swift has been linked to Kansas City often since 2023, when she started dating Travis Kelce, 36. Kelce is the starting tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Fans on social media platform X quickly connected the dots. One fan quoted a line from Swift’s new song, “Actually Romantic”: "The KC t-shirt… oh little chihuahua, you’ll see." Another person asked, "Well, how long has Charli been talking bad about Taylor? She’s too old for this stuff now." The buzz was instant.
Taylor Swift. XNY/Star Max/GC Images
Not everyone bought into the rivalry theory. Other fans pointed out that Role Model had worn a similar item in SNL promos earlier that week. "Charli XCX wearing Tucker’s shirt as his Sally," one social media user wrote. Another fan commented, "As a fan of both Taylor and [Role Model], this has nothing to do with Taylor and everything to do with a [Role Model] joke about having a fight with Charli. A week ago none of you cared, so move on." It seemed Charli’s fashion choice was part of a playful skit, not a musical battle.
This isn’t the first time Charli XCX and Swift have been at the center of fan speculation. Charli once opened for the 14-time Grammy winner on her Reputation tour. The rumored feud gained steam again when Swift’s album Life of a Showgirl dropped on October 3. A track called "Actually Romantic" features lyrics that many thought were aimed directly at Charli.
In the song, Swift sings, "I heard you call me ‘boring Barbie’ when cocaine gives you courage / You high-fived my ex and then said you’re glad he left me." She continues, "You wrote me a song saying you’re disgusted to see my face / Some people might be offended." Swift then flips the script, adding, "But it’s actually sweet / All the time you’ve dedicated to me / It’s truly crazy / All the effort you’ve put in." Fans believe these lines reference Matty Healy, Swift’s ex, who is in the band The 1975 with Charli’s husband, George Daniel.
Before Swift’s new album, fans thought Charli’s 2024 hit, "Sympathy Is a Knife," was about her disagreement with Swift. Charli publicly denied those claims. Swift herself has never confirmed if "Actually Romantic" is indeed inspired by Charli.
Amy Poehler, Role Model and Bowen Yang. Rosalind O’ Connor / NBC
Swift offered some thoughts about "Actually Romantic" at her "Release Party of a Showgirl" event earlier this month. She explained the song is "a kind of love letter to someone who hates you." Swift added, "Sometimes you don’t know you’re part of someone else’s stories, but you are. There might be a moment when [they reveal it to you] through things they do quite obviously." She wrapped up her thoughts, saying, "As I’ve grown, I started thinking: ‘Oh my God, you did so much with this. It’s a compliment. I don’t hate you and I don’t think about all this.’"
So, was Charli’s shirt a subtle message or just a simple prop? It seems the mystery remains open for interpretation by fans.
You can watch the full Saturday Night Live episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf0RqiUfzgo/.
Saturday Night Live airs on NBC every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET.