Taylor Swift recently found herself in the midst of fan scrutiny after a personal note she penned for Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, was shared on social media. Portnoy, who attended Swift’s Oct. 19 Eras Tour show in Miami, received the handwritten note from Swift’s brother, Austin. Though fans didn’t criticize the gesture itself, the pop star’s handwriting stirred quite a reaction online.
Portnoy, a social media personality with a contentious public image, has faced accusations of sexual misconduct and a history of controversial statements. Yet, the response from Swift’s fans focused less on Portnoy’s reputation and more on the aesthetic quality of Swift’s handwriting.
Delivered on Swift’s classic personal stationery reading “from the desk of TAYLOR SWIFT” and adorned with the signature “SONGWRITER/FELINE ENTHUSIAST,” the note expressed her appreciation. “Dave, I’m so happy to have you at the show tonight!” Swift wrote. “I wanted to say thank you for always being so supportive, so loyal, and for having my back when a lot of people didn’t. I hope you have a blast tonight!! Love, Taylor.”
Swift’s message seemed rushed, as her signature was squeezed between the note’s final line and her printed letterhead. It appeared Swift may have quickly penned the message upon hearing that Portnoy was attending the concert.
Portnoy, despite his vocal support for Donald Trump, had once publicly defended Swift after her endorsement of Kamala Harris. “People can vote for whoever they want in this country,” he tweeted in response to the backlash Swift received at the time, adding that political opinions wouldn’t alter his view of her.
After Portnoy shared an image of the note on his podcast’s Instagram account, fans had plenty to say about Swift’s handwriting. One commenter humorously remarked, “This is amazing but low key she has terrible handwriting.” Another added, “I didn’t think anyone could have worse handwriting than me till I saw this.” Some fans took issue with her signature, describing it as “wild” and “not what I’d expect.” One quipped, “Wow, I would have thought Taylor would have beautiful handwriting .”
Skeptical fans questioned whether Swift wrote the note herself. “I’m sure it was her assistant…” one person speculated, while another insisted, “I’m sorry but the signature isn’t Taylor’s lol.” However, others defended the handwriting, comparing it to journal entries in her Lover album special editions, which showed a strikingly similar style.
Regardless of the handwriting debate, Portnoy’s fans celebrated his personal acknowledgment from Swift, while her fans indulged in the lighthearted critique.
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