Taylor Swift would like to explain herself.
The pop and country music star came under significant fire late last week after an online after a study — conducted by digital marketing firm Yard — revealed that flights by her private jet have emitted 8,293.54 metric tons of carbon in the last seven months.
For reference and comprhension?
The study shared that’s “1,184.8 times more than the average person’s total annual emissions.”
The use a private jet is a luxury many celebrities can afford.
But Swift reportedly owns TWO of these planes and has allegedly used them on more occasions than the average individual (by a wide margin), damaging the environment in the process.
According to the aforementioned study, Swift’s planes have taken no less than 170 flights in 2022, with total CO2 emissions clocked in at 8,293 tons.
She’s been getting dragged pretty hard by critics in response. To wit:
However, a spokesperson for Swift has now told E! News that the superstar isn’t always the one on board these flights.
“Taylor’s jet is loaned out regularly to other individuals,” said this individual in a statement.
“To attribute most or all of these trips to her is blatantly incorrect.”
Some might say this isn’t really an excuse; Swift still owns the jets that are causing the pollution and could simply make sure they’re used less frequently if she so desired.
Some more revelation from this report:
It noted that the aircraft had an average flight time of around 80 minutes and traveled around 139.36 miles.
The plane’s shortest flight — which traveled from Missouri to Nashville, Tennessee — clocked in at just 36 minutes.
To be fair and clear, Swift isn’t the only well-known name who has been criticized for his/her perceived private jet usage as of late.
Kylie Jenner recently drew negative attention after she used her private jet to take a 17-minute flight… then followed it up with an Instagram post flaunting her ability to fly to the grocery store.
The reality star — who may be pregnant with baby number-three — was labelled a “climate criminal” in response, with Instagram and Twitter users expressing irritation at Kylie not even attempting reduce; or reuse; or recycle.
As for the always-passionate and loyal Swifties?
And their response to this Taylor scandal?
“This is very shocking to me, honestly. More and more celebs are emphasizing the importance of reducing emissions, but it’s these outrageous overconsumptions that need to be curbed,” one fan wrote on Reddit.
“I love Taylor, but I’d never take a statement from her about the climate seriously after seeing this.
“I really think she has the means to do better.”
Added another:
“I love Taylor.
“I also have a strong negative opinion of celebrity private jet culture and think rich people in general have learned to prioritize their comfort and freedom over the rest of us having a safe climate, and I think this is morally wrong of her.”
