Young Student Tracks Private Jets
Jack Sweeney, a young student from the U.S., is being praised by environmentalists around the world for his role in exposing the world’s worst polluters (via AS).
Source: Freepik
Currently studying at the University of Central Florida, Sweeney uses public flight records to track how often celebrities use their private jets.
Tracking the World's Rich and Famous
His goal aims to highlight the environmental impact of private flights. Sweeney typically posts their travels to his social media accounts.
Source: Freepik
Highly influential people, including Elon Musk, and pop stars such as Taylor Swift, have all made numerous appearances on his list (via BBC).
Taylor Racks Up Hefty Carbon Emissions
Taylor Swift’s extensive use of a private jet is not new information. Back in 2022, the singer ranked no. 1 on a list of celebs with the highest jet CO2 emissions.
Source: Christopher Jue/TAS24/Getty Images
According to a report from Yard, a digital marketing firm, the “Blank Space” singer’s yearly carbon emissions are nearly 1,200 times more than an average citizen.
Celebs Furious with College Student
While many environmentalists are happy that some of the world’s single largest polluters are getting called out, celebs claim the student is endangering their lives (via CBS News).
Source: Omar Marques/Getty Images
Just last year, Elon Musk banned Sweeny’s account, “ElonJet,” from X, formerly Twitter, as the SpaceX founder argued Sweeny shared his “assassination coordinates” (via BBC).
Taylor Swift's Reps Issue Cease and Desist
Swift, unlike Musk, has decided to take things one step further.
Source: Freepik
The singer’s representatives threatened to sue the young college student and issued a cease and desist instructing him to stop sharing their client’s private flight information.
Potential Threat to the Singer's Wellbeing
In a lengthy letter, Swift’s representatives say Sweeney is putting their client at risk from stalkers.
Source: Freepik
They argue it’s “an imminent threat to Swift’s safety and well-being” before calling it a “life-or-death matter” for the singer.
Sweeney Advocates for Public Information
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the 21-year-old Sweeney said, “Nowhere do I intend for harm.”
Source: Freepik
“I actually think Swift has some good songs. I believe in transparency and public information, ” he continued.
Potential Risk for Stalkers
Swift’s representatives argue Sweeney’s posts were partly to blame for an incident that occurred last month. A man in his mid-30s was arrested as he stalked Taylor outside her home.
Source: Freepik
“We cannot comment on any ongoing police investigation but can confirm the timing of stalkers suggests a connection,” said spokeswoman Tree Paine (via BBC). “His posts tell you exactly when and where she would be.”
Sweeney Tracks the World's Richest People
Sweeny’s posts are not limited to Elon Musk or Taylor Swift.
Source: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
In the past, the college student has tracked and posted flight information of some of America’s wealthiest men, including Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates.
Traveling Nonstop to Spend Time with Boyfriend
Swift’s time in the sky has reached an all-time high over the last year as she continues to rack up miles flying to see her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
Source: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Due to scheduling conflicts between the singer, who’s performing around the world, and Kelce, who spends time traveling with the Kansas City Chiefs, the pair are forced to fly frequently.
Flying Private to the Superbowl
Taylor has undoubtedly informed her pilot to fuel up the jet as she plans to travel to Las Vegas this Sunday.
Source: Freepik
Swift will perform in Tokyo the night before she’s set to join the crowd at Super Bowl LVIII to cheer on Travis and his team.