Taylor Swift has opened up emotionally about the psychological toll she faced following the Southport knife attack linked to a children’s Taylor Swift-themed dance class and terror threats that later targeted her Vienna concerts.
In a deeply personal moment from her new Disney+ documentary, the global pop star is seen confiding in close friend and fellow musician Ed Sheeran, admitting she felt “hunted” in the aftermath of the incidents. The clip captures Swift struggling to compose herself backstage before returning to the stage in London, where Sheeran was set to perform alongside her that night.
As the two rehearse, Sheeran gently asks how she is coping. Swift, visibly emotional, admits she is desperate for time away once the tour ends. “I get two months off after this, which I need — I need that more than I’ve ever needed it,” she says.
The Love Story singer goes on to explain the fear she has been living with, revealing plans to disappear from public view for a while. “I’m just going to go somewhere no one can find me. I just don’t want to be tracked like an animal. I’ve just felt very hunted lately,” she confesses.
Trying to refocus before stepping back on stage, Swift adds that she needs to remember the joy of performing despite the emotional weight she is carrying. Her words trail off, prompting Sheeran to step in and remind her that people often forget she is human too.
The documentary also includes heartbreaking scenes of Swift breaking down in tears after meeting families of the Southport knife attack victims. In a tender moment, her mother comforts her, offering tissues and reassurance. “I know you helped them,” her mother tells her. “I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I know you helped them.”
The candid footage offers rare insight into the emotional impact of real-world violence and security threats on one of the world’s most famous performers, highlighting the vulnerability behind Swift’s global stardom.