Taylor Swift’s private jet has been spray painted orange by “Just Stop Oil” activists because they claim that the Popstar’s private jet is so ‘problematic’

Taylor Swift flew into London this afternoon, landing at Stansted airport ahead of her upcoming Eras Tour shows.

The 34-year-old looked ready for a party as she touched down with crates of alcohol ahead of her concert on Friday night. She travelled to the capital using her private jet, something which has previously prompted widespread criticism. Taylor has faced calls to stop using private jets over climate change fears.

Indeed, Taylor’s landing in London came just hours before two Just Stop Oil activists broke into a VIP private airfield at Stansted airport and spray painted aircraft. Amid the latest drama, we’ve taken a look at all of the controversy surrounding Taylor’s private jet usage.

Just Stop Oil protests

Two Just Stop Oil climate protestors have been arrested after filming themselves breaking into a private airfield and spraying aircraft orange. Jennifer Kowalski and Cole Macdonald are believed to have cut into a VIP private airfield at Stansted airport at around 5am and targeted planes using fire extinguishers filled with orange paint.

Taylor Swift’s private jet has been spray painted orange by “Just Stop Oil” activists. pic.twitter.com/eIGszby4Od

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 20, 2024

Just Stop Oil claimed they attacked the airfield after Taylor had landed their earlier that day, however, her plane was not there. A statement from the environmental activists stated: “Two Just Stop Oil supporters have painted multiple private jets on the airfield where Taylor Swift’s jet landed mere hours before.

“They are demanding that the incoming UK government commit to working with other governments to agree an equitable plan to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030.” Ms Macdonald, 22, from Brighton, said: “We’re living in two worlds: one where billionaires live in luxury, able to fly in private jets away from the other, where unliveable conditions are being imposed on countless millions.

viagogo and resale tickets
Sites such as Viagogo and Vivid Seats allow fans to buy resale tickets from other fans. However, it is important to note that many event promoters say tickets should not be resold after initial purchase and will not be valid for admittance to gigs.

Fans attending live events with tickets acquired through resale websites are advised to double check the ticket terms and conditions at the point of sale – such as Ticketmaster or Live Nation – to ensure a smooth live event experience. Tickets could be voided if they were found to be bought second-hand. As a result, fans are buying at their own risk.

With that said, viagogo also commented: “viagogo is a regulated marketplace where fans have the guarantee.”

“Meanwhile, this system that is allowing extreme wealth to be accrued by a few, to the detriment of everyone else, is destroying the conditions necessary to support human life in a rapidly accelerating never-ending ‘cruel summer’. Billionaires are not untouchable, climate breakdown will affect every single one of us.”

Ms Kowalski, 28, who is a former sustainability manager from Dumbarton, said: “I have to take desperate measures to make my voice heard. In 2024 we all have to be considering what we can do each day to change the course our society is on.”

Essex Police have said two women, aged 22 and 28, have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use of national infrastructure following the incident.

Carbon footprint

For her 2024 Eras Tour, Taylor is expected to fly an estimated 43,688 kilometres, excluding any detours. Using data from the myclimate Carbon Tracker, this means she will emit an estimated 511,154 kilograms of CO2.

According to Payless Power, the travel emissions from the tour are equal to the annual energy use emissions of 66.7 homes. It’s also equivalent to 33,744,692 smartphones being charged.

During the Eras Tour, Taylor used her private jet to travel from Tokyo to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Gregory Keoleian, co-director of the Centre for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan, suggested that would release more than 200,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

Fan disappointment

It’s not just critics who have found issue with Taylor’s private jet usage. Die-hard Swifties are finding it hard to defend the singer’s potential impact on the environment.

Posting on Reddit, one person said: “The more I think about it, the madder I am. Like, I am really just here for Taylor’s music and don’t really care about her personal life, but this s*** is just so gross.”

Another added: “Not a great look at all Tay!” while a third commented: “This ain’t it Taylor… I love the music but your billionaire status will eventually turn you into a villain.”

Legal action threat

College student Jack Sweeney uses public information to track the flights of celebrities with the goal of “transparency and public information”. He published data about Taylor’s trips on social media, which then prompted her to threaten legal action against him. Her legal team issued a cease-and-desist letter accusing him of “stalking and harassing behaviour.”

A legal letter to Jack, which was sent earlier this year, explained: “We are aware of your public disputes with other high-profile individuals and your tactics in those interactions, including offering to stop your harmful behaviour only in exchange for items of value. While this may be a game to you, or an avenue that you hope will earn you wealth or fame, it is a life-or-death matter for our Client. Ms. Swift has dealt with stalkers and other individuals who wish her harm.”

A spokesperson for Taylor told The Mirror: “We cannot comment on any ongoing police investigation but can confirm the timing of stalkers suggests a connection. His posts tell you exactly when and where she would be.”

Speaking to The Mirror after the letter, Jack said: “It’s worth noting, as reported by WAPO, that this letter surfaced days after headlines criticised her jet use and its carbon emissions. A year prior, her team informed the media that her jet is seldom used by her and is often loaned out. These statements contradict each other, much like her team’s response to owning a single jet, which has only been true for the past two weeks.”

While Jack expressed clear frustration with many aspects of the situation, he also insisted that he wasn’t looking to necessarily target Taylor. In fact, he could even be considered a fan, telling The Mirror: “Firstly, I’d like to clarify that my intentions are not to cause harm. In fact, I actually like some of Swift’s songs.”