Country hitmaker Zach Bryan is learning the hard way that mixing alcohol and social media isn't the best idea. After tweeting about Taylor Swift and Kanye West, Bryan found himself in hot water late Wednesday (Sept. 18) night. 

In a now-deleted tweet, Bryan wrote, "Eagles > Chiefs," followed by "Kanye > Taylor," asking, "Who's with me?" His message hit several sensitive chords – Swift's current boyfriend, Travis Kelce, is a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Swift's famous feud with Kanye West dates back years, making the tweet a lightning rod for controversy.

Country star Zach Bryan deactivates X/Twitter account following backlash to tweet:

“Eagles > chiefs
Kanye > Taylor” pic.twitter.com/JBNgtf5g55

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 19, 2024

Within seconds, the "Something In The Orange" singer received backlash on X (formerly known as Twitter) from Swift's dedicated fanbase. 

"What made him think posting this to TWITTER (X) was a good idea," asked a follower. "He better be releasing an apology video rn," added another. 

What made him think posting this to TWITTER was a good idea?

— ✦ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨 ✦ ❤️‍🔥 (@teddyreals) September 19, 2024

The singer-songwriter did just that. In the wake of the uproar, he deleted his account and issued a statement on Instagram. Within the lengthy post, he clarified his intentions and apologized for his unnecessary comments. 

He explained that his tweet had been a drunken misstep. Bryan acknowledged Swift and West's complicated history but insisted his remarks were purely about music. 

"For the record guys I wasn't coming for Taylor the other night. I was drunkenly comparing two records, and it came out wrong," he wrote. "I know there's a lot of stuff that clouds around Ye, and I was speaking purely musically." 

Bryan continued his apology, noting he hopes to one day explain his comments to Swift herself. He also admitted that X tends to get him into trouble. 

"I love Taylor's music and pray you guys know I'm human and tweet stupid things often. Hope one day I can explain this to her," stressed the chart-topping artist. "Twitter gets me in trouble too much and I'd say it's best I stay off it. I'm sorry to any Taylor fans I pissed off or let down. Love you guys and I'm trying my best!" 

In a follow-up post, Bryan revealed he's been dealing with personal struggles, which might have influenced his shocking remarks. 

"I've been going through a hard time in my own life, and I think I was projecting a little. To be completely honest, it just came off as rude and desensitized to Taylor," he wrote, alongside Swift's track "The Albatross." "I respect her so much as a musician that the last thing I want is people thinking I don't appreciate and love what she has done for music." 

His final takeaway? A simple yet sage piece of advice for all social media users: "Don't drink and tweet. Don't drink and tweet!!"

Fan of View: Even successful artists like Bryan are cautious about upsetting Swift's devoted fanbase, the Swifties, due to their immense power. The "Taylor Swift effect" refers to the influence Swift's fans have in fiercely defending her, often leading to significant backlash or even derailing the careers of those who criticize or offend her. 

Many musicians are wary of saying anything negative about Swift for fear of facing the wrath of her loyal supporters. However, some Bryan fans argue that he's entitled to his opinions, emphasizing freedom of speech, and believe the backlash is overblown.

How do you feel about this entire situation? Let us know your Fan Of View below. 

Photo Credit: @zachlanebryan.