The feud between Swift and Kardashian began in 2016 when Kim's then-husband, Kanye West, released the song Famous. The controversial track contained explicit lyrics about Swift, which offended her. Following the backlash, West claimed that Taylor had given him permission to use the lyrics, a statement that Swift vehemently denied.

The situation escalated when Kardashian released edited footage of a private phone call between West and Swift discussing the song prior to its release. The audio clip sparked public debate over whether Swift had lied about not approving the lyrics.

When the illegally recorded phone call later leaked in full, it supported Swift's claim of a "frame job" orchestrated by Kardashian. West notably failed to mention the full scope of the lyrics during the call. However, the damage to Swift's "good girl" reputation was already done; she faced public ridicule and was branded a "snake."

The following year, Swift abandoned her all-American sweetheart image and released the album Reputation, which addressed the drama with West and Kardashian and the negative impact the feud had on her career through several songs, including Look What You Made Me Do.

Billionaire feuds that turned increasingly bitter