The cold war between pop stars Katy Perry and Taylor Swift dates back years, with the two trading sneak disses and shade back and forth since at least 2014. But it looks like Perry might be turning over a new leaf in 2017, and she appeared to bury the hatchet with Swift during a weekend-long livestream in partnership with YouTube.
During a discussion with Arianna Huffington for the Thrive Global Podcast, Perry addressed the feud between the two singers, and claims she's ready to let the animosity go.
"I am ready to let it go. I forgive her and I’m sorry for anything I ever did, and I hope the same from her. I think it’s time. There are bigger fish to fry, and there are real problems in the world," said Perry. "And I love her, and I want the best for her."
A cynical listener would look at that quote and point out Perry's first concern was making sure she said she forgives Swift for her role in the beef, only then apologizing after clearing Swift of responsibility. I'm always here for #TeamPetty, and it would be sort of hilarious if Perry used an apology to stealthily continue the disagreement.
But she continued on singing Swift's praises, and after a glowing review of Swift's talent, it seems like Perry might be genuinely ready to move on.
"I think she’s a fantastic songwriter, and I think that, you know, if we, both her and I, can be representatives of strong women that come together despite their differences, I think the whole world is going to go like, ‘Yeah, well we can do this,’" said Perry. "Maybe I don’t agree with everything she does and she doesn’t agree with everything I do, but I just really truly want to come together in a place of love and forgiveness and understanding and compassion."
This is moment on par with the greatest peacemaking speech of our time, Rocky Balboa's address to a hostile Russian crowd in Rocky IV.
The apology is even more extraordinary because it comes right after Swift appeared to steal Perry's thunder by dropping her full catalog on streaming services at the same time as Perry's new album, Witness. Even if Perry has decided to be the bigger person and move on, she can't force Swift to accept this new, nicer reality.
Listen Taylor, the world is in shambles right now. I know how good it feels to flex on your enemies, but sometimes you have to work around your differences and move on. If Jay Z and Nas can squash the beef and record songs together, the least you can do is discontinue the shade.
