Kirk Hammett Draws the Wrath of Taylor Swift Fans

Kirk Hammett is being dubbed the unforgiven by the Swifties.

The Metallica guitarist has drawn the ire of Taylor Swift fans after wearing a shirt depicting a blank-eyed Swift with the words “Taylor Swift is a CIA Pysop.” Hammett donned the garment at the center of this controversy during a June 13th concert in Budapest at the Puskás Aréna.

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Some within the pop star’s dedicated fan base did not appreciate the shirt, likely a play on the strange controversy that somehow Geese’s audacious marketing campaign was a pysop, sparking conspiracy theories and apparent online psychosis.

Shirtgate 2026 will give the fan bases of Swift and Metallica a reason to get fired up for a moment, get the music acts a few more streams, and sell a few more tickets. Shirt makers are also sure to rake in some dollars too. Hammett and Swift will likely have a laugh about it in a private conversation later on if they ever meet.

Meanwhile, Swift has the number one song on Billboard’s Hot 100 with “I Knew It, I Knew You” from the Toy Story 5 soundtrack. She was recently seen leaving New York’s Electric Lady Studio after an overnight session.

Metallica are on an European tour before starting a residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere from October to March. Fans can get tickets here.

Kirk Hammett from the has-been band Metallica was wearing a “Taylor Swift Is a CIA Psyop” shirt on stage. pic.twitter.com/qe5URKFJKR

— Taylor Swift Fan Archive (@Taylors_Archive) June 19, 2026