Kirk Hammett Attracts Taylor Swift Fan Backlash Over Budapest Concert Shirt
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett is facing criticism from Taylor Swift fans after wearing a controversial Swift-themed shirt during a June 13th concert in Budapest.

Kirk Hammett is being dubbed the unforgiven by the Swifties.
The Metallica guitarist has drawn the ire of Taylor Swift fans after wearing a shirt depicting a blank-eyed Swift with the words “Taylor Swift is a CIA Psyop.” Hammett donned the garment at the center of this controversy during a June 13th concert in Budapest at the Puskás Aréna.
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Some within the pop star’s dedicated fan base did not appreciate the shirt, likely a play on the strange controversy that somehow Geese’s audacious marketing campaign was a pysop, sparking conspiracy theories and apparent online psychosis .
Shirtgate 2026 will give the fan bases of Swift and Metallica a reason to get fired up for a moment, get the music acts a few more streams, and sell a few more tickets. Shirt makers are also sure to rake in some dollars too. Hammett and Swift will likely have a laugh about it in a private conversation later on if they ever meet.
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Meanwhile, Swift has the number one song on Billboard’s Hot 100 with “ I Knew It, I Knew You” from the Toy Story 5 soundtrack. She was recently seen leaving New York’s Electric Lady Studio after an overnight session.
Metallica are on an European tour before starting a residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere from October to March. Fans can get tickets here .
> 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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_Originally reported by [Consequence](https://consequence.net/2026/06/kirk-hammett-draws-wrath-of-taylor-swift-fans/)._
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