Taylor Swift surprised Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy with a handwritten note delivered by her brother, Austin, ahead of her Eras Tour concert in Miami. In the note, Taylor thanked Portnoy for his support and loyalty, despite criticism from others. She expressed her appreciation for him and wished him an enjoyable time at the concert, signing off with a heart. The gesture was a token of gratitude for Portnoy defending Taylor after she publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race.
Portnoy, a proud Swiftie, shared his excitement over the note in a video, emphasizing the community of love and support that Taylor’s fans exhibit. He praised Taylor’s performance at the concert and expressed his admiration for her as a live performer. Despite not meeting Taylor in person, Portnoy found more significance in the handwritten note she sent, as it showed she took time out of her busy schedule to personally thank him. Portnoy believed the gesture was more meaningful than meeting the superstar in person.
The handwritten note was an acknowledgment of Taylor’s appreciation for Portnoy’s support, especially after he defended her when she faced criticism for her political endorsement of Kamala Harris. Last month, Taylor endorsed Harris in a viral Instagram post, encouraging her fans to do their research on the issues at hand. Portnoy, known as the king of the Swifties, supported Taylor’s right to make political statements and emphasized that people can vote for whomever they choose without affecting his opinion of them.
Portnoy recounted his experience at Taylor’s concert, where he had the “time of his life” and expressed amazement at how talented Taylor was as a performer. He also shared that he had the opportunity to meet Taylor’s brother, Austin, and her mother, Andrea Swift. Even though he did not meet Taylor personally, Portnoy was touched by the handwritten note she sent him. The gesture bridged any gap he may have felt from not receiving a personal invite initially, showing Taylor’s appreciation for his support and loyalty.
Portnoy’s acknowledgment of the handwritten note as a meaningful gesture from Taylor highlights the strong bond between fans and artists. Despite differing opinions on various issues, including politics, the Swifties community remains a space of love and support for Taylor. Portnoy’s reaction to the note exemplifies the impact of personal gestures from celebrities on their fans and the importance of showing appreciation for support. Taylor’s handwritten note to Portnoy was a heartfelt message of gratitude that deepened their connection and showcased the positive influence artists can have on their fans.
