What's the Karlie Kloss and Taylor Swift beef about? Has it *finally* been squashed?

Is that long Karlie Kloss Taylor Swift beef over? Now that the model was spotted at Swift's Eras tour, we're doing research

What's the Karlie Kloss Taylor Swift beef about? Pictured: Karlie Kloss and Taylor Swift attend the 2014 American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 23, 2014 in Los Angeles, California
(Image credit: Kevin Mazur/AMA2014/WireImage/Getty Images)

Fans have done a deep dive into the Karlie Kloss Taylor Swift beef when an unexpected face popped up at the Eras tour: none other than Kloss herself. 

Perhaps one of the more infamous friendship breakups on Swift's résumé, the duo haven't been spotted together in public since 2016, after years of being inseparable. Yet, on Wednesday, August 9, the model made her way to the last leg of the singer's tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. While Adam Sandler got preferential VIP treatment, one of Swift's closest allies (well, former ally) was left dancing in the boonies. *Awkward!*

Naturally, it didn't take long for fellow concert-goers to catch on and fall down the Kaylor rabbit hole once more. Is the bad blood over? Are the two on good terms? What set them off in the first place? Guess the Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift feud has been temporarily put on hold as a result of this development, right?!

Since we, too, are on the edge of the Kaylor rabbit hole, might as well jump in entirely. Here's what went down between the famous best friends.

The Karlie Kloss Taylor Swift beef, explained

"Kaylor" became a thing in 2012/2013 after the two had been introduced by a mutual friend, Lily Aldridge, and from there, the bond was instantaneous. When the two weren't gushing praise for one another or showing support through Instagram posts, they were dressing alike and holding hands on the Victoria's Secret Runway while Kloss walked the show and Swift performed. 

"We met at the show, we never met before but we’re BFFs now,” Kloss told Hollywood Life in December 2013. “It’s nice to meet another American girl, we’re the same age and she’s so inspiring — she’s so talented and she’s true to who she is. She’s a cool girl and I’m glad she’s in the show this year, she rocked it."

Then, two years later, the modern-day Lucy and Ethel even did a joint Vogue cover in 2015 gushing about their connection. 

“I remember makeup artists and hair people going, ‘Doesn’t she remind you of Karlie? God, she and Karlie would be best friends. They’re the same,” Swift told the outlet. 

Plus, they've grown their collective squad. 

"“I’ve met a lot of really great girls through Taylor. She’s incredible at connecting people who might not normally meet," Kloss told Vogue. "But we’re also just normal 20-something girls, and I think you have to have people that you can be that with. You know, real friends are hard to find—and Taylor’s a real friend. There’s nothing better."

Then, things got a little hairy in 2016 when Kloss praised Kim Kardashian as "lovely". Given all the history with Kardashian's now-ex-hubby, Ye (a.k.a. Kanye West), fans were taken aback by the very public adoration, which Karlie addressed on Twitter

"I will not allow the media to misconstrue my words. Taylor has always had my back and I will always have hers," the model tweeted. 

But the two were noticeably quiet, particularly in 2017, after all this had transpired. A few months later, Kloss assured everyone that nothing was going on. “Don’t believe everything you read,” she told The New York Times in March 2018. 

But if that was the case, then why didn't Swift attend either of Kloss' wedding ceremonies? (She did make an appearance at the model's bachelorette in Nashville, Tennessee.) Why did Scooter Braun—the infamous music exec who's fought with Swift over the rights to her albums—attend?! Color us flabbergasted!

Then, of course, detectives started to question whether Swift's music was a hint at their rift, particularly with "It's Time To Go", as the lyrics read: 

"When the words of a sister come back in whispers/
That proves she was not, in fact, what she seemed"   

Some seem to believe that perhaps the two were more than just friends, but neither party has commented on the suspected relationship or their breakup for that matter. It's still unclear where the two stand now and what got them to a dark spot in the first place, but perhaps we'll learn more in a new song or two? Or will time heal all wounds? 

For now, we'll be over here, wondering if that Taylor Swift/Harry Styles collab is actually going to happen now that she's rereleasing 1989

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.