Man smashes Taylor Swift autographed guitar he bought for $4K in ‘lighthearted statement’
A North Texan’s apparent political statement has gone viral after the unidentified man spent around $4,000 on a guitar signed by Taylor Swift only to smash it with a hammer moments later at an Ellis County fundraiser Saturday.
Swift never used the guitar, an Ellis County Wild Game Dinner spokesperson told Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV, but the action has drawn both praise and criticism across social media.
“That’s a really great example of pettiness,” one person posted.
“Got to love it!” another person said.
Someone else referred to the unnamed man as an “MAGA nut” while another poster asked, “What did Taylor ever do to him?”
An event spokesperson told WFAA that the man purchased the autographed instrument for around $4,000.
The video, which has been shared and reposted across various social media platforms, shows the man walk forward to claim his purchase. He takes a hammer and the Eras Tour-style guitar from the man helping the auctioneer and proceeds to smash several large holes in the instrument. The crowd in the background cheers and whoops in delight.
Event spokesperson Craig Meier told WFAA that he’s surprised people are making such a big deal out of the man’s actions.
“It wasn’t meant to be mean or malicious,” Meier said. “He was just making a lighthearted statement showing disapproval of people in the entertainment industry trying to influence politics.”
On Sept. 10, Swift took to social media to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential bid against Donald Trump. Swift said she had done her research and believes Harris “fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.”
Saturday’s fundraiser — which included a dinner, raffle and live auction — supports agriculture education in Ellis County, according to the organization’s website.
“The important thing is that 100% of the money raised goes directly to local youth and agricultural education programs,” Meier said in a statement to WFAA. “At the end of the day, the kids win and will benefit from this.”
This story was originally published October 1, 2024 at 12:22 PM.
