“At 34, Swift remains unmarried and childless, a fact that some might argue is irrelevant to her status as a role model. But, I suggest, it’s crucial to consider what kind of example this sets for young girls. A role model, by definition, is someone worthy of imitation. While Swift’s musical talent and business acumen are certainly admirable, even laudable, we must ask if her personal life choices are ones we want our sisters and daughters to emulate.”

Newsweek made headlines on Thursday, after publishing a piece that detailed why Swift is “not a good role model.” Author John Mac Ghlionn noted that Swift, 34, “remains unmarried and childless” despite her various public romances.

“A massive pile of misogynistic bull,” Navratilova, 67, shared via X on Sunday, June 30, along with a series of poop emojis. “This guy should be ashamed of himself and I can’t believe he writes for Newsweek … and they printed it. I mean …”

“A fact that some might argue is irrelevant to her status as a role model,” he continued. “But, I suggest, it’s crucial to consider what kind of example this sets for young girls.”

He continued: “While Swift’s musical talent and business acumen are certainly admirable, even laudable, we must ask if her personal life choices are ones we want our sisters and daughters to emulate.”

Ghlionn was self-aware enough to realize that the piece sounded like “pearl-clutching preaching” (something Swift references on her Tortured Poets Department album) but doubled down, claiming that his “concern [is] rooted in sound reasoning.”

The writer continued by discussing Swift’s high-profile dating history, referring to it as a “revolving door of relationships.” He further explained that Swift’s relationship history “raises questions about stability, commitment and even love itself.”

Upon reading the piece, Swifties — and other notable figures — shared their opinions via social media. In addition Navratilova, author Kiran Manral slammed the piece via X.

“Over the past week, I’ve seen a rash of vomit worthy opinion pieces by male writers on Taylor Swift. Here’s the latest,” she wrote, calling out the publication by name. “You should be ashamed of yourself for carrying this crap.”

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Manral highlighted the “barf inducing” portion of the article that referred to Swift’s dating life. “Let me go get my barf bag,” she concluded.

While Swift has not publicly addressed the article, she has spoken candidly about the public’s obsession with her love life — especially in the album notes for 1989 (Taylor’s Version).

“It became clear to me that for me there was no such thing as casual dating. Or even having a male friend who you platonically hang out with. If I was seen with him, it was assumed I was sleeping with him,” she wrote alongside the rerecorded album, which was released in October 2023. “And so I swore off hanging out with guys. Dating, flirting or anything that could be weaponized against me by a culture that claimed to believe in liberating women but consistently treated me with the harsh moral codes of the Victorian era.”

Swift’s highly publicized romantic life has been a source of prime tabloid fodder for years. She has dated numerous high-profile men—at least a dozen—including the singers Harry Styles and Joe Jonas, the actor Jake Gyllenhaal, and, more recently, the American football player Travis Kelce. This revolving door of relationships may reflect the normal dating experiences of many young women in today’s world, but it also raises questions about stability, commitment, and even love itself. Should we encourage young girls to see the “Swift standard” as the norm, something to aspire to? Or should we be promoting something a little more, shall we say, wholesome? Would any loving parent reading this want their daughter to date 12 different men in the span of just a few years? This is not an attack on Swift; it’s a valid question that is worth asking.

The superstar’s vocal criticisms of the patriarchy add another layer of complexity. Swift’s recent rallying cry against patriarchal structures stands in stark contrast to her personal dating choices. The singer often dates strong, influential men—celebrities who embody significant social and economic power. This can appear hypocritical. Hypocrisy fundamentally undermines the ability to be a good role model because it involves a contradiction between one’s actions and the principles or values they publicly advocate. Swift either doesn’t realize this or doesn’t care. Neither of the two is a good look.

With her massive global following (283 million followers on Instagram and 33 million TikTok disciples), Swift impacts how young girls around the globe perceive relationships and success. Her career, which has included numerous chart-topping songs and successful business ventures, is a testament to her work ethic and natural talent. However, the glamorous portrayal of her romantic life can send rather objectionable messages. Moreover, many of her lyrics often depict her as the victim. This might influence young women to adopt a similar perspective in their own relationships, be they romantic or otherwise. Swift is not a victim. She is the most popular musician of all time.