Investigative Journalist Maggie Freleng Calls Taylor Swift a 'Psyop', Says She 'Keeps Young Women Stupid'

Investigative journalist Maggie Freleng has launched a blistering attack on Taylor Swift, calling the global pop star a 'psyop' and claiming she 'keeps young women stupid' during an appearance on 5CAST with Andrew Callaghan.

Freleng's remarks targeted Swift's cultural influence, public image and perceived brand of feminism, while questioning why the singer commands such a huge following among young women.

Maggie Freleng Says She 'Really Hates' Taylor Swift

Freleng made her feelings about Swift clear during the conversation with Callaghan.

'I really hate Taylor Swift and I'm just always going to say she's a psyop,' Freleng said. 'And what is she trying to do? What's she trying to do?'

She then made one of her strongest claims about the singer's influence.

'I think Taylor Swift keeps young women stupid,' Freleng said. 'I really think that she gives this like faux feminist image.'

Freleng did not provide evidence that Swift deliberately influences young women in the manner she described. Her comments formed part of a broader personal critique of what she believes the singer represents culturally.

Why Freleng Criticised Taylor Swift's Feminist Image

Freleng expanded on her criticism by arguing that young women could interpret Swift's public persona as representative of feminism.

'And so I think young women look at her and think that's feminism,' she said. 'And I guess if that's your brand of feminism, great, but it's not.'

Swift has previously spoken publicly about sexism and women's rights, while her music has frequently explored relationships, public scrutiny and expectations placed on women.

Freleng, however, questioned the substance of that image and focused her criticism on how Swift's celebrity persona may be interpreted by younger audiences.

Maggie Freleng Explains Her Taylor Swift 'Psyop' Claim

Freleng also elaborated on why she uses the provocative 'psyop' label when discussing Swift.

The journalist said it took her 'a really long time' to understand the singer's popularity before reaching her own explanation.

'The answer is she's everything that is just so basic and mediocre,' Freleng said. 'And so young women can look up to that.'

She added: 'And I think that is part of the psyop. Like, just be basic. Don't really be any more than that.'

Taylor Swift Called an 'Americana Golden Girl'

Freleng also turned to politics and American culture, describing Swift as an 'Americana golden girl'.

She claimed Swift was becoming 'kind of this like MAGA, like icon' and compared her cultural image with actress Sydney Sweeney.

The description was Freleng's own characterisation. Swift has not publicly identified herself as a MAGA supporter and has previously endorsed Democratic presidential candidates.

Freleng nevertheless questioned whether Swift's image could help 'reshepherd in the nuclear family'.

Who Is Maggie Freleng?

Maggie Freleng is an investigative journalist whose work has included reporting on wrongful convictions, criminal justice and missing-person cases. She has also worked in audio journalism and documentary storytelling.

Her 5CAST appearance with Andrew Callaghan placed her in a conversational setting, where the Taylor Swift remarks were presented as personal views rather than findings from an investigation.