Pop Star Hints at Musical Response With Cryptic Studio Teaser

October 6, 2025: Charli XCX has stirred up renewed interest among fans by posting a mysterious video from a recording studio—just days after Taylor Swift allegedly dissed her in the track “Actually Romantic.” As speculation swirls over the meaning behind Swift’s lyrics, Charli’s social media activity suggests she’s already working on her comeback.

Is “Actually Romantic” About Charli XCX?

Fans believe Taylor Swift took aim at Charli in The Life of a Showgirl song “Actually Romantic.” One line in particular—“I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave”—echoes Charli’s earlier work and past public comments. Because of this, many listeners interpret the song as a pointed response to Charli’s perceived jabs on her Brat album.

Taylor has said that “Actually Romantic” reflects the experience of realizing someone has made you the center of their narrative without you even being aware. But fans and media outlets continue to debate whether there’s a direct tie to Charli’s previous lyrics and public remarks.

Charli Signals She’s Fighting Back

Just days after Swift’s album dropped, Charli posted a brief, cryptic Instagram and X video from inside a studio. The clip features an engineer working on a mixing board while swelling strings play in the background—and nothing else. She captioned it with a simple heart emoji (“<3”), fueling rumors that she’s already working on a response of her own.

Shortly after, she also shared photos from Paris of a night out with friends like Kylie Jenner and Rosalía. The juxtaposition of relaxed social posts and the intense recording-studio teaser has fans convinced she’s preparing a lyrical rebuttal.

What’s Next in the Pop Drama

This isn’t the first time Charli and Taylor’s work has been linked in the press—Brat’s “Sympathy Is a Knife” was widely interpreted as subtly referencing tension with Swift. Although neither artist has publicly confirmed a “feud,” Taylor previously praised Charli’s songwriting as “surreal and inventive,” even amid speculation.

Now, with Charli back in the studio right after Taylor’s release and fans calling for a “diss track,” the tension feels more tangible than ever. Whether Charli’s upcoming project is a musical retaliation—or a parallel work with its own message—remains to be seen.