by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: September 20, 2024
7 min read
7 min read
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Zach Bryan, a rising country singer from Oklahoma, found himself in hot water in September 2024 after a late-night tweet aimed at pop superstar Taylor Swift caused a stir on social media.
In a heartfelt follow-up, Bryan admitted his mistake and publicly apologized with the now-famous line, “Don’t drink + tweet.”
The incident highlights the risks of impulsive social media posts, especially when alcohol is involved, and the intense scrutiny that comes with interactions between high-profile celebrities like Swift.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what happened, the fallout, and the lessons that can be learned from this controversy.
Let’s get started!
Before diving into the specifics of the controversy, it’s important to understand who Zach Bryan is and why his actions garnered such attention.
Zach Bryan , a former U.S. Navy serviceman, emerged as a force in the country music scene with his raw, emotionally driven songs that reflect both his personal experiences and universal themes of love, heartbreak, and life’s challenges.
His rise to fame has been unconventional, with much of his success attributed to his grassroots approach to releasing music. Bryan’s breakout moment came with the release of his album DeAnn in 2019, which was a tribute to his late mother. The authenticity in his songwriting resonated deeply with fans, earning him a devoted following.
Since then, Bryan has released several successful albums, including American Heartbreak and Elisabeth , positioning himself as one of the new faces of country music.
His sound, which blends traditional country elements with modern folk and Americana influences, has been praised for its sincerity and rawness. As a result, Bryan has built a large and loyal fanbase, making his words and actions highly scrutinized in the public eye.
On September 17, Zach Bryan found himself at the center of controversy after tweeting, “Eagles > chiefs. Kanye > Taylor. Who’s with me,” a post that sparked backlash online.
The tweet, comparing NFL teams and artists Kanye West and Taylor Swift, was quickly deleted, but not before fans and critics responded. Many viewed Bryan’s comments as dismissive toward Swift, with some pointing out that she outperforms him in the country genre.
Following the criticism, Bryan deactivated his X (formerly Twitter) account. On September 19, he addressed the situation on Instagram, apologizing for the post. He clarified that he was drunkenly comparing music records, never intending to disrespect Swift.
He also acknowledged Kanye West’s controversial reputation but said he was purely discussing musical preference. Bryan admitted to “going through a hard time” and explained that personal struggles might have influenced his actions. He promised to take a break from social media, advising himself not to “drink and tweet.”
Country star Zach Bryan deactivates X/Twitter account following backlash to tweet:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 19, 2024
“Eagles > chiefs
Kanye > Taylor” pic.twitter.com/JBNgtf5g55
Following the uproar, Bryan took to social media once again, this time to issue a heartfelt apology. In his statement, he expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged that his tweet was a mistake.
The now-iconic line, “Don’t drink + tweet,” became the headline of his apology, serving as both a personal lesson for Bryan and a cautionary tale for others.
In his apology, Bryan emphasized that he had no ill intentions toward Taylor Swift and that his tweet was the result of poor judgment fueled by alcohol. He praised Swift’s career and her influence on the music industry, making it clear that he held her in high regard despite the ill-considered comment.
Bryan’s humility and willingness to own up to his mistake earned him some sympathy from fans, though others remained critical of his actions.
Zach Bryan apologies via Instagram stories for earlier tweet about Taylor Swift
by u/tillymee in popculturechat
Bryan’s tweet and subsequent apology raise important questions about the role of social media in the lives of public figures. In the age of Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, celebrities are more accessible than ever before, and their every move is scrutinized by millions of followers.
While this accessibility allows for greater engagement with fans, it also comes with significant risks, particularly when impulsive or poorly considered posts go viral.
The phrase “Don’t drink + tweet” has become something of a mantra in the wake of this controversy, highlighting the dangers of posting on social media while under the influence of alcohol. For many celebrities, social media serves as both a blessing and a curse.
It offers a direct line to fans and the ability to shape their own narratives, but it also demands constant vigilance and awareness of the potential consequences of every post.
Zach Bryan has made a significant impact on the country music scene with his emotionally charged lyrics and raw acoustic sound. As he continues to rise in the industry, his journey is marked by several notable hits, which showcase his storytelling ability and connection with fans.
Despite the recent controversy, Bryan’s career momentum remains strong, and he is focused on finishing his Quittin’ Time Tour, which runs until mid-December.
Song Title | Album | Year | Chart Performance |
---|---|---|---|
Heading South
|
DeAnn | 2019 | Viral on YouTube |
Something in the Orange
|
American Heartbreak | 2022 | Billboard Hot 100 (#12) |
Condemned
|
DeAnn | 2019 | Popular Streaming Track |
Revival
|
Elisabeth | 2020 | Cult Fan Favorite |
Burn, Burn, Burn
|
Quittin’ Time Tour (Live) | 2023 | Touring Hit |
As Zach Bryan navigates through personal challenges and career milestones, his future in the industry seems bright. Despite his recent social media struggles, he remains committed to delivering heartfelt music that resonates with fans across the globe.
What does Zach Bryan say about Taylor Swift?
Zach Bryan apologized for his tweet, clarifying that he never meant to disrespect Taylor Swift. He expressed admiration for her music, saying, “I love Taylor’s music” and hoped she understood his tweet was not meant maliciously.
What did Zach Bryan tweet about?
On September 17, Zach Bryan tweeted, “Eagles > chiefs. Kanye > Taylor. Who’s with me,” comparing NFL teams and Kanye West to Taylor Swift. The tweet was controversial and later deleted.
What did Katy Perry and Taylor Swift argue about?
Katy Perry and Taylor Swift’s feud stemmed from a disagreement over backup dancers. Swift claimed Perry tried to “sabotage” her tour by hiring her dancers, which led to public tension between the two artists. They have since reconciled
Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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