QuickCheck: Was Taylor Swift the cause of an 'argument' between governments?

A file picture of Taylor Swift performing a concert as part of her Eras World Tour in Sydney on Feb 23, 2024. – AFP

SUPERSTAR Taylor Swift has millions of fans globally and her ongoing Eras Tour in Singapore has attracted thousands of fans from around the South-East Asian region to the island republic just to see her perform in person.

Recent media reports revealed that an exclusive deal was struck so Taylor Swift would only perform a series of six concerts in Singapore from March 2-9 and not anywhere else in the region.

So is it true that her exclusive Singapore concerts sparked an "argument" and caused Bad Blood with neighbouring countries that did not get a chance to host her concerts?

Verdict:

TRUE

Filipino lawmaker Joey Salceda voiced his displeasure over the deal, saying that was not "what good neighbours do" and that the city-state's decision would damage its diplomatic ties with Manila.

"Our countries are good friends. That’s why actions like that hurt," Salceda said.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also criticised the exclusive arrangement, claiming he was told Singapore provided subsidies of US$3mil (RM14.2mil) for each of Swift's six sold-out shows.

The "argument" arose due to the economic benefits concerts for the 14-time Grammy Award-winner would bring, as flights into Singapore increased and reservations for hotels more than quadrupled.

Singapore's culture minister Edwin Tong, in response, said such claims were inflated.

"There has been some online speculation as to the size of the grant. I can say that it is not accurate and not anywhere as high as speculated," he told the Singaporean parliament.

He said promoters take into account the location and infrastructure of a concert location, stating that: "Promoters of top artists will do their own calculation and assess where they want to perform and for how long."

References:

1. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/02/24/taylor-swift-wooed-by-singapore-before-other-international-dates-were-lined-up-kasm-chief

2. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/03/04/singapore-says-taylor-swift-gig-grant-not-as-high-as-speculated

3. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/02/29/not-what-good-neighbours-do-filipino-lawmaker-hits-out-at-singapore-over-taylor-swift-deal