It seems like Taylor Swift has found herself in the middle of yet another feud this week. After numerous celebrities rallied behind Kesha after a judge ruled against her in her heartbreaking lawsuit [1] against Dr. Luke, fans were quick to notice that the Grammy-winning singer was staying pretty mum on the issue. Since she is usually pretty outspoken about feminism [2], Demi Lovato didn't take too kindly to the fact that Taylor had yet to offer her support. "I'm also ready for self-proclaimed feminists to start speaking out or taking action for women's rights," Demi wrote on Twitter.
I'm also ready for self-proclaimed feminists to start speaking out or taking action for women's rights.
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 21, 2016 [3]
But things didn't end there. Taylor then donated $250,000 to help Kesha's case [4], but Demi took to Twitter once again to show that she was not impressed. "Take something to Capitol Hill or actually speak out about something and then I'll be impressed," she wrote. Of course, "Swifties" were quick to retaliate, with one user suggesting that Demi was taking focus away from the main issue and making it about herself.
Take something to Capitol Hill or actually speak out about something and then I'll be impressed.
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) February 22, 2016 [5]
In Instagram comments that have since been made private [6], the singer posted on a Taylor Swift fan page, writing, "How the f--k am I making this about myself? At least I'm talking about it. Not everyone has 250k to just give to people. Would love to but I didn't grow up with money and def haven't made as much as her. At least I speak up about s--t that's uncomfortable to talk about rather than trying to be politically correct 24/7. There's no 'rivalry' I just give more f--ks than other people and would rather start a dialogue ABOUT WOMEN COMING FORWARD ABOUT BEING RAPED than throw money at one person. Didn't shade Taylor. If you take it that way than fine. I'm just tired of seeing women use 'women empowerment' and 'feminism' to further brands without actually being the ones that have the uncomfortable conversations. I get shade and I don't give a f--k because someone has to be the one to take it. At least I'm getting my hands dirty."
Hours later, Demi cleared the air on Instagram [7], writing, "As most people know, I tend to get fired up about the things I believe in, and although my heart and intentions are always in the right place, unfortunately sometimes my passion gets the best of me and causes me to say things that I probably shouldn't say. And when doing so it takes away from the real reason I am speaking up in the first place. Our focus should be on the topic of victims of sexual and physical abuse being afraid to come forward with their stories. They're more likely to face retaliation and harassment than to see justice being served. Especially women. It baffles me that when it comes to serious issues like equality and abuse, too often women are not taken as seriously as men. All I want to see is women coming together and actually making a difference. A real change and shift in society. Everyone has their own way of giving support to others , and at the end of the day, helping victims is all that matters. Ultimately, the message I want people to hear is it's okay to come forward with your abuse and if you do decide to take action, you are not alone."