Taylor’s Victory Dinner

Taylor Swift marked a career-defining victory — regaining ownership of her master recordings — with an intimate dinner in New York City alongside longtime friend Selena Gomez.

The two dined at the storied Monkey Bar in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday, May 31. While Swift celebrated, her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, was away in Kansas City participating in the annual Big Slick charity event benefiting pediatric cancer research.

A historic venue dating back to the 1930s, Monkey Bar once catered to high-society guests and remains a symbol of old New York elegance — a fitting backdrop for a night of personal triumph.

Just a day earlier, Swift had stunned fans by announcing that she had officially secured the rights to her original masters, a move that closes a years-long chapter of public legal and emotional battles. Her open letter described the moment as surreal, reflecting on a two-decade-long dream finally realized.

“All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs… to me,” Swift wrote, describing the moment as one of spontaneous, tearful joy.

Swift’s journey to reclaim her catalog began in 2019 after music executive Scooter Braun acquired Big Machine Records, effectively gaining control of her first six albums. Following a high-profile dispute, Braun later sold the masters to Shamrock Capital for a reported $300 million. This week, Swift revealed she had reached a direct agreement with Shamrock, putting the music back in her hands.

Support poured in from fans and peers alike. Gomez, ever vocal in her loyalty, shared a proud Instagram response: “Yes you did that Tay! So proud.” Even Braun issued a rare public note, stating, “I am happy for her.”

In a candid aside, Swift also addressed the future of her re-recording project — specifically 2017’s Reputation — admitting she has yet to revisit much of the emotionally charged album.

Though the public has followed her battle closely, this moment belongs solely to Swift. And as she dined quietly with Gomez, away from stages and spotlights, it was clear: the celebration was not just professional — it was deeply personal.