Kayla Nicole, the ex-girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, is addressing backlash she has faced since Kelce announced his engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift.
The model and sports journalist said she feels “triggered” by online criticism but insists she is not afraid of being “canceled.”
Speaking on her podcast The Pre-Game, Nicole explained that she has avoided addressing certain controversies in the past, hoping they would “blow over.” However, she said when she does share her perspective, people often misinterpret her comments as seeking attention rather than speaking from experience. “I want to clear my name. I want to address it,” she noted.
The remarks come after Kelce and Swift broke the internet last week with their engagement announcement, which included a series of photos showcasing Swift’s engagement ring. Shortly after, Nicole posted a workout caption that many interpreted as a response, sparking renewed scrutiny.
Nicole, who dated Kelce from 2017 to 2022, has previously spoken about the challenges of being linked to a high-profile athlete. Earlier this year, she suggested that Kelce moving on with Swift was “a compliment,” comparing it to losing to a championship-winning team.
In past interviews, Nicole admitted public comments about her relationship sometimes left her in tears, particularly after Swift’s fans criticized her for discussing Kelce. She also revealed her family, including her mother, has been “hurt” by the negative headlines.
Neither Kelce nor Swift has responded to Nicole’s recent comments, and no date has been set for the couple’s upcoming wedding.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ