Taylor Swift fan criticized for offering the singer’s hat “22” from the Eras Tour for $20,000

A Taylor Swift fan has sparked outrage after putting the singer’s iconic hat – which she gives away to one lucky fan at every concert – up for sale for $20,000.

Many of Swift’s fans, also known as “Swifties,” shared on social media that they had seen the hat being sold on eBay. At each of her concerts as part of her Eras Tour, Swift walks to the back of the stage to give her black hat to a fan. She places the hat on a concertgoer’s head while singing the song “22,” as Swift is wearing the accessory in the music video for the song.

According to the ad, which has since been deleted but was reposted on X (formerly known as Twitter), the fan received Swift’s hat while attending one of her shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last year. The inside of the hat was signed by Swift herself in a silver sharpie.

The starting bid for the item was $20,000, and the person who shared the ad said the money would go to the college fund of the young fan who originally received the black hat at the concert.

At X, several people have criticized the seller – some of whom may be the fan’s parents – for even providing the hat, especially after the young fan’s encounter with Swift.

“OMG someone is selling the ’22’ hat?! Ugh I hate people!!!” one person wrote.

“I understand that people go through tough times and having that kind of money is truly life-changing. If they need the money, I don’t blame them. It’s a way to feed and shelter their families. But personally, I would never forgive my parents if they did that to me,” another replied.

A third wrote: “I really don’t think it’s right that parents sell a hat that they didn’t get as a gift. It belongs to the child. It’s not their hat that they can sell. And if the child has to finance their own studies because the parents can’t afford it, then the child should decide for themselves how they want to finance it.”

Others expressed understanding for the seller’s decision and pointed out how expensive college can be.

“I don’t know what to think of this attitude, but we don’t know anything about this family’s situation,” wrote one. “Yes, I know it’s quite possible that the parents forced the child, but we don’t know for sure. Maybe she really needs the money for her studies?? I think you’re judging too quickly.”

“Hey, breaking news. We KNOW nothing about this family’s situation,” added another. “They’re all assuming the worst and yes, it’s entirely possible that the child will be forced to be sold and that the parents will spend the money… but that’s really none of our business.”

Since the start of her Eras Tour last year, Swift has continued to use her iconic black hat as an opportunity to interact with a fan at each show. On certain occasions, she has passed the hat on to those close to her, such as Kobe Bryant’s daughter Bianka during her concert in Los Angeles in August 2023. During a performance in Texas in March 2023, Swift lovingly gifted the hat to Gracie, the little sister of her best friend Selena Gomez.

During a February concert in Sydney, Australia, Swift also gifted the hat to a nine-year-old girl named Scarlett, who was diagnosed with cancer in October 2023. In a Facebook post forwarded to X, Scarlett’s stepmother revealed her initial hope that the nine-year-old would receive the “22” hat a few days before the concert.

“Scarlett is so excited and would love to receive the ’22’ hat from Taylor (as would everyone else),” she wrote. “I just want her to experience everything in life and if anyone deserves a little happiness, it’s her. She deserves the whole world.”

The listing has been deleted since May 21st.