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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →“Taylor Swift pulling a 9/11” refers to an AI-generated image described in a 2024 Gizmodo article—not an actual event involving Taylor Swift. The headline’s claim that this gives companies a “whole new reason” to advertise on X is sarcasm: author Matthew Gault argued that provocative Grok images were unlikely to make the platform more appealing to advertisers. It was commentary, not a report of companies changing their ad decisions.
What the Taylor Swift headline refers to
On August 14, 2024, Gizmodo reported on Grok-2, then the latest version of xAI’s large language model, and its text-to-image feature, which X subscribers could use. The article described generated images involving Taylor Swift and the Twin Towers, Elmo during 9/11, and Kamala Harris with a gun. These were examples reported by the article, not the results of a systematic safety test or a full assessment of Grok’s safeguards. Gizmodo’s article characterized the images as “Silly, edgelord AI-generated images flood X.”
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Gault’s point was about the business implications of attention-grabbing, offensive content. He wrote, “Generating edgy pictures with Grok is fun for about a minute,” then sarcastically imagined BMW welcoming the prospect of its ad appearing beside such material. That line does not establish that BMW—or any other company—was placed beside the images, made a statement about them, or changed its advertising plans because of them.
What the advertising evidence does—and doesn’t—show
The headline’s irony sits alongside a separate, earlier report about ad placement on X. On September 11, 2023, Media Matters for America said it observed ads for Action Network, Axios, Barron’s, eBay, Fortune, Jack in the Box, MLB, Motley Fool, NFL, Puck News, T-Mobile, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals next to posts using the antisemitic conspiracy hashtag “JewsDid911.” The report documents placements observed at that time; it does not show that the companies deliberately chose those posts or that the placements continued afterward. It also does not verify the placements discussed in Gizmodo’s 2024 story. Media Matters’ September 2023 report is the source for that specific observation.
#1 Best Overall
- The 1989 album changed my life in countless ways, and it fills me with such excitement to announce that my version of it will be out October 27th
These are different kinds of evidence. Gizmodo offered an editorial argument about the appeal of X to advertisers; Media Matters reported observed ad adjacency on a particular date. Neither, by itself, establishes a company’s intent or its current advertising strategy.
What the 2026 court opinion establishes
A 2026 opinion from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in X Corp. v. World Federation of Advertisers et al. recounts allegations in X’s complaint about GARM’s brand-safety standards, monitoring and reporting, and decisions by advertisers or agencies about advertising on Twitter/X. It also recounts X’s allegations about boycott activity. Those are allegations described in a court opinion, not findings that all the alleged conduct occurred as claimed. The opinion should not be treated as proof that advertisers acted for one particular reason or that any specific placement was unsafe. The opinion is available from Justia.
Rank #2
- Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, will be released worldwide October 3, 2025
Why 9/11 imagery carries a distinct reputational risk
Commercial use of 9/11 imagery has drawn criticism before the Grok-2 story. ABC News reported that on September 11, 2013, AT&T posted an image of a phone photographing the memorial lights. After criticism that the tragedy was being used as a marketing opportunity, the company removed the post and apologized, saying the image was intended to pay respect to those affected. That episode illustrates the sensitivity surrounding brands and the attacks; it is historical context, not evidence about X, Grok, or the 2024 launch. ABC News reported on the AT&T post and response.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read claims about a platform’s ad risk
For a company deciding where to advertise, the useful question is not whether one provocative image proves a platform is unsuitable. It is what evidence exists about the company’s actual placements, how current that evidence is, and whether a report documents observed delivery, expresses an opinion, or recounts unproven allegations. Advertisers may use brand-safety monitoring and verification to assess placement risk, but the sources cited here do not endorse a provider or establish what any company currently uses.
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Rank #4
- Taylor Swift's 10th studio album Midnights was released on October 21, 2022
Rank #3
- Observed placement: Media Matters’ September 11, 2023 report names brands whose ads it said appeared beside antisemitic 9/11 conspiracy posts.
- Editorial judgment: Gault’s August 14, 2024 article argues that edgy Grok-generated images do not make X more attractive to advertisers; its BMW line is sarcasm, not a verified placement.
- Legal allegations: The 2026 court opinion recounts claims in X’s complaint; recounting them does not make them judicial findings.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
