Los Angeles, California – Taylor Swift found herself at the center of a controversial prank orchestrated by comedian Andrew Santino on a 2012 episode of MTV’s “Punk’d.” The incident resurfaced during Santino’s appearance on Travis Kelce’s podcast, “New Heights,” sparking a conversation about the elaborate practical joke.
During the episode, Santino enlisted Justin Bieber to play a prank on Swift by inviting her to his recording studio in Malibu. Swift, unsuspecting, was persuaded to launch fireworks off the home’s deck into the ocean. However, things took a turn for the worse when a nearby boat caught fire, leading to Swift being blamed for the debacle.
Despite the ludicrous nature of the prank, Swift appeared genuinely distressed during the episode, even suggesting calling the Coast Guard for assistance. It was only when the truth was revealed that she realized she had been the victim of an elaborate ruse, leaving her feeling both traumatized and bewildered.
Swift later disclosed in an interview with CMT Insider via MTV that the experience had deeply affected her, expressing feelings of terror and humiliation. She also mentioned that she had no intentions of seeking revenge on Bieber, acknowledging his cleverness and her own inability to outsmart him in a prank war.
The incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between harmless pranks and potentially distressing situations, shedding light on the impact such practical jokes can have on individuals. As Swift continues to navigate the spotlight of fame with grace and resilience, the episode stands as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceptive antics in the entertainment industry.