The critics who have dared to post a review of The Tortured Poets Department have rated the album relatively positive so far, though some key players have not thrown their hat in the ring yet (including us, though we do have some pretty hot takes). That is, except for Paste Magazine, who just bravely published a 3.6/10 review of Taylor Swift's latest, and decided not to name the critic out of fear for their safety.
Swifties are a famously cut-throat fanbase, and have doxxed writers in the past for not giving a glowing review of Swift's past works. Exclaim! experienced this in 2020, when our Reviews Editor had his IP address leaked after giving folklore a 7. Paste staff have unfortunately met a similar fate in the past, which is why their TTPD review byline is listed only as "Paste Staff."
"There is no byline on this review due to how, in 2019 when Paste reviewed Lover, the writer was sent threats of violence from readers who disagreed with the work. We care more about the safety of our staff than a name attached to an article," the publication tweeted posted.
Even still, the Swifties are threatening to find a way: "Okay ethical question, would you rather threats of violence for everyone on staff or one person," one fan replied.
Listing an article as Exclaim! Staff is a choice we've made in the past; we chose to keep the writer of our coverage of the Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion beef anonymous to protect them from the Barbz. With that in mind, we implore everyone to be normal and leave the staff of Paste alone. Music taste is subjective, folks!
