Charlie Puth Clears the Air: Defending Taylor Swift's 'Maroon' Against AI-Generated 'Wood' Claims

In the ever-churning world of pop music and viral social media trends, a recent claim caught fire, suggesting that Taylor Swift’s beloved track “Maroon” from her critically acclaimed album Midnights had subtly interpolated a song titled “Wood” by none other than pop sensation Charlie Puth.

The rumor rapidly spread across platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), leaving fans and music enthusiasts speculating about a potential collaboration or an uncredited homage.

The supposed track, “Wood,” featuring what sounded undeniably like Charlie Puth’s distinctive vocals, circulated widely online.

Many pointed to the sonic similarities between the two songs, fueling the narrative that Swift had perhaps woven elements of Puth’s work into her melancholic Midnights masterpiece. However, the truth, as often happens in the digital age, was far more nuanced and, in this case, a stark reminder of the burgeoning impact of artificial intelligence in music.

Charlie Puth himself, known for his candid social media presence, swiftly stepped in to put the rumors to rest.

Taking to both TikTok and X, Puth unequivocally debunked the viral theory. “That’s not a Charlie Puth interpolation,” he clarified in a direct and emphatic video. “That’s an AI-generated song that took my voice and made it sound like I was singing a song called ‘Wood,’ and it’s not real.” He went on to assert, “I have never heard that song in my life.”

Puth’s clarification not only put an end to the "Maroon" interpolation speculation but also highlighted a growing concern within the music industry: the sophisticated ability of AI to mimic artists’ voices and create entirely new, yet seemingly authentic, tracks.

This incident serves as a crucial case study, showcasing how easily AI-generated content can be mistaken for genuine artistry, leading to widespread misinformation.

Beyond setting the record straight, Puth also took a moment to laud Swift’s artistry, declaring “Maroon” an “incredible song.” His endorsement further solidified the track’s standing while simultaneously dismissing any lingering doubts about its originality.

This isn't the first time tracks from Swift's Midnights have faced such online scrutiny; previous allegations included similarities between “Karma” and a lesser-known track called “Obsessed.”

The incident underscores the complex landscape artists navigate today, where fan theories, digital mimicry, and genuine musical influence often intertwine.

Puth’s timely intervention not only protected Taylor Swift’s creative integrity but also educated a wider audience on the increasingly blurred lines between human-made music and AI-generated imitations, reinforcing the importance of verification in the digital age.