Paparazzi's Tone Deaf Tribute to Taylor Swift on Her Birthday

It's been a busy year for Taylor Swift, which means an even busier year for the paparazzi.

Whether it's date night with boyfriend Travis Kelce or hanging out with famous friends, the singer dominated the entertainment news cycle in 2023.

While we may think that celebrities and the paparazzi are natural enemies, a group of reporters had a sweet—yet tone deaf—surprise for Swift's 34th birthday on Wednesday.

Taylor Swift, December 2023
Taylor Swift leaves The Box after celebrating her 34th birthday on December 14, 2023, in New York City. The singer spent the evening with famous friends Blake Lively and Miles Teller. James Devaney/GC Images

After spotting Swift outside trendy New York nightclub The Box, a hoard of paparazzi began to sing "Happy Birthday" to the pop star.

Despite being out of tune, the reporters crooned at the singer as she greeted pal Blake Lively from her car. Although their attempt was well-meaning, the paparazzi's delivery was less than melodic, making Swift giggle.

Once the tune was finished, the reporters yelled "We love you Taylor" at the birthday girl, before turning their attention to actor Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh.

A clip of the birthday chant was shared to X—the social network formerly known as Twitter—where it received over 544,000 views.

Some found the gesture adorable, with @MoonSaturnMars calling the moment "wholesome."

"That's actually really sweet awww," said @comebackbehere0.

"So lovely," agreed @favlady12.

"I've never seen paps being NICE before," wrote Sasha.

"That's probably the cutest thing I've seen done for a celebrity in a minute," said @UnisonComics.

 Taylor Swift, Keleigh Teller, Miles Teller, 2023
Taylor Swift (left) celebrates her birthday with Keleigh Teller and Miles Teller on December 13, 2023, in New York City. The pop star and her pals hung out at exclusive New York nightclub The... Raymond Hall//GC Images

However, others found the birthday serenade awkward, with @ideasthesia describing the scene as "cringe."

"How sweet but I'm sure annoying," said @Jadedimage.

"Very annoying," agreed @Juwai_Ahmed.

"I don't even know wtf to do when my FAMILY sings happy birthday to me... can't imagine having a bunch of strangers do that," said @Panda1idiota.

Swift stunned at her birthday bash in a black sparkly mini-dress, a fur coat and killer heels.

Blake Lively and Taylor Swift, December 2023
Blake Lively (left) and Taylor Swift are seen arriving at 'The Box' on December 13, 2023 in New York. The singer greeted Lively as paparazzi serenaded her with a birthday tune. MEGA/GC Images

Unfortunately for the chart-topper, her new beau couldn't be there to celebrate. It was rumored the Kansas City Chiefs tight end had major plans for the occasion, with a source telling Us Weekly that "money is not an object."

But according to People, the 34-year-old football star was forced to stay in Kansas City for a "mandatory" practice, after the Chiefs lost to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Although she wasn't at the party, Swift's long-time BFF Selena Gomez also wished the "Blank Space" singer a "Happy Birthday" on Instagram.

"Happy birthday to the goddess that is @TaylorSwift," the actress wrote in alongside a photo of her and Swift, with "I love you" written over the snap.

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About the writer


Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and ... Read more

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