Lorne Michaels’ 2015 Quip Towards Taylor Swift Resurfaces Ahead of SNL’s Anniversary

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Lorne Michaels, the longtime executive producer of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), is making headlines as a lighthearted exchange he had with pop star Taylor Swift five years ago has resurfaced. In 2015, when SNL reached out to Swift to appear in a sketch satirizing her fan base, she declined the offer and requested that the segment be scrapped entirely.

Michaels’ bold reaction was to firmly respond, stating, “Taylor, I do not negotiate with terrorists.” Following his statement, he dramatically tossed a piece of popcorn into the air and caught it in his mouth, further emphasizing the lighthearted nature of their conversation.

The sketch was ultimately produced despite Swift’s objections, airing during an episode co-hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. In the skit, cast members Aidy Bryant and Vanessa Bayer depicted characters trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic setting filled with obsessive Swift fans.

After the segment aired, Swift sent Michaels a bouquet of flowers accompanied by a note reading, “I hope there’s no bad blood,” indicating that there were no hard feelings regarding the portrayal.

Since that incident, Swift has returned to SNL on several occasions as a musical guest, with her most recent appearance in 2021 where she participated in a musical sketch with Pete Davidson. The interplay between Swift and Michaels became a topic of interest, especially as SNL is preparing for its grand 50th anniversary show, airing this Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.

The upcoming episode promises an exciting lineup featuring returning cast members and notable guest appearances from Tom Hanks, Bad Bunny, Kim Kardashian, Martin Short, Robert De Niro, and more. Additionally, a special concert featuring performances from artists like Lady Gaga, Dave Grohl, and Post Malone is set to air tonight, Feb. 14.

Throughout his career, Michaels has earned a record 102 Emmy nominations and 21 wins, and speculation continues about his future with the sketch comedy show. Despite ongoing retirement rumors, he expressed his intention to remain involved until at least the 50th anniversary episode, suggesting that he will ‘do it as long as I feel I can do it.’

As Michaels considers who might succeed him, he acknowledged Tina Fey’s talents, stating, “It could easily be Tina Fey, but you know, there are a lot of people who are there now who are also, you know [could be good].”