Olivia Rodrigo dismisses ‘internet detective’ Taylor Swift feud rumors: ‘People love to make things’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Singer Olivia Rodrigo has once again addressed speculation surrounding her relationship with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, responding to years of online rumors suggesting tension between the two pop stars.

During a recent interview on 'The New York Times Popcast' while promoting her upcoming third album, 'You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,' she reflected on the scrutiny that has followed her career and explained ways to cope with constant public speculation. 

Olivia Rodrigo responds to Taylor Swift feud rumors

The discussion arose after Rodrigo was asked about the public attention surrounding a March incident in which she and Swift were photographed leaving musician and songwriter Paul McCartney’s concert in Los Angeles around the same time.

Addressing the reaction, she said, “I just don't really pay attention to it, I think if I consumed every little thing people said about me, I'd be in a mental institution. Truly, I can't do that. I think it's just a part of life. I think it's a part of being a young woman."

Rodrigo further remarked, “People love to make things into a thing,” before explaining how she has learned to navigate the scrutiny over the years, “I think I just have gotten really good at not consuming any media about myself.”

She then stated, "I think it's really important. I think it can be really detrimental. Like, nobody knows me better than I know myself, and nobody knows my relationships better than I know them. I know what happened in my life, and I think that's all that matters.”

Rodrigo also noted that years of intense attention, particularly after the success of her debut single 'Drivers License,' helped her develop that perspective and better manage the pressures that come with fame.

Olivia Rodrigo reflects on songwriting credit controversies

Elsewhere in the interview, Rodrigo again addressed the speculation about a possible rift between herself and Swift, “There's so much conspiracy and gossip now around everything. It's hard not to see it. I think it's just kind of the nature of being a public figure."

She continued, "But I always just think, if I know my heart and I know my truth, then that's enough for me." The conversation also revisited the songwriting credit disputes that drew widespread attention early in her career.

Swift and music producer Jack Antonoff received songwriting credits on '1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back' because the song interpolated her 'New Year's Day.'

Rodrigo later added the duo and St. Vincent as songwriters on 'Deja Vu' following comparisons to Swift's 'Cruel Summer.' She also credited Paramore members Hayley Williams and Josh Farro on 'Good 4 U' because of similarities to 'Misery Business.'

Looking back on that period, she acknowledged, “I was so green. It was a very confusing thing to navigate. I wasn't involved in those conversations. It was all through my team and the other teams." Despite those challenges, she emphasized that her passion for music remains unchanged and expressed gratitude for being able to pursue it professionally.