In recent events, climate activists have turned their attention to celebrities, with Taylor Swift being a focal point of their protest. During a demonstration at an airport in the United Kingdom, these activists threw orange paint at private jets, aiming to raise awareness about climate issues. However, it’s noteworthy that Swift's jet was not present at the time of the protest, highlighting the often complex relationship between celebrity culture and environmental activism.
The activists, associated with the group Just Stop Oil, are calling for urgent action to address climate change by demanding the British government create a treaty that would end the extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030. This action reflects a growing trend of using high-profile figures to amplify their message, as celebrities like Swift have been criticized for their carbon footprint due to their extensive travel.
As Taylor Swift continues her Eras Tour across various international locations, the intersection of celebrity status and activism becomes more pronounced. Swift's representatives have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the protest, but the incident raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures in the fight against climate change and how they can use their platforms for advocacy.
Two climate activists in the United Kingdom threw orange paint at private jets at an airport Thursday — an action specifically targeting Taylor Swift. Alas, her jet wasn’t there. The activists are part of Just Stop Oil, a coalition of organizations demanding that the British government create a treaty that would “end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030.”
Cole Macdonald and Jennifer Kowalski were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, police told BBC News. Stanstead Airport confirmed to the outlet that Swift’s jet wasn’t present. The two individuals chose that airport, in Essex, because they believed Swift’s plane was stationed there, the group said in a release. The singer has been criticized for the carbon dioxide emissions from her globe-trotting affairs.
In a statement released through the group, Macdonald condemned billionaires for living in luxury while others reside in “unlivable conditions.” Swift’s representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the airport told BBC News that the demonstration briefly suspended runway operations, but that no flights were disrupted. The airport has since continued operating as normal.
In December, Swift served a cease-and-desist letter to a Florida college student who runs a social media account publishing information about the whereabouts of the pop star’s jet. “While this may be a game to you, or an avenue that you hope will earn you wealth or fame, it is a life-or-death-matter for our Client,” said the letter, reviewed
