Metallica’s Kirk Hammett sparked controversy during the band’s June 13 performance at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest after donning a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Taylor Swift Is a CIA Psyop.” The incident drew swift criticism from the artist’s fanbase, known for their vocal online presence.
The shirt’s design featured “Taylor Swift” prominently displayed above the text “Is a CIA Psyop,” which was partially obscured by Hammett’s guitar during the show. Swift, a billionaire musician, has been vocal about supporting emerging artists like Sombr, while her recent single “I Knew It, I Knew You” holds the top spot on charts. Her debut track “Tim McGraw” celebrated its 20th anniversary on June 19.
Critics noted the ironic overlap between the shirt’s design and Metallica’s own controversies, including past allegations linked to their “Geese” psyop narrative. The visual ambiguity of the garment—potentially mistaken for official merchandise if not for the unsettling image of Swift with whited-out eyes—added to the online debate.
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
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