Kayla Nicole denies shading Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce with Halloween costume tribute

Kayla Nicole clarifies her Toni Braxton Halloween costume wasn’t aimed at Taylor Swift or Travis Kelce

Kayla Nicole is shutting down rumors that her Halloween costume was a dig at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

The model, influencer, and host addressed the speculation on her Pre-Game with Kayla Nicole podcast, clarifying that her Toni Braxton-inspired look was a tribute — not shade.

The Kansas City Chiefs star’s ex sparked online chatter last month when she dressed up as Toni Braxton from the “He Wasn’t Man Enough” music video. Fans quickly speculated that the song choice was aimed at the high-profile couple “Tayvis,” pointing out lyrics like “Do you know I dumped your husband, girlfriend?” and “He wasn’t man enough for me.”

However, Nicole made it clear that people were reading too much into it. “I’m not in the business of tearing other women down,” she said. “For me, this moment was about celebrating an icon in my culture — someone I’ve listened to since I was very young.” She went on to say that Toni Braxton herself commented on her post, calling that the true highlight of her Halloween.

Nicole’s history of choosing symbolic Halloween looks also resurfaced, as she previously dressed as Teyana Taylor after Iman Shumpert’s breakup — a move fans took as another subtle message. But this time, she insists her motivation was purely admiration, not drama.

The former sports broadcaster ended her podcast segment on a positive note, celebrating Braxton’s influence and brushing off any negativity. “Shoutout to Toni Braxton,” she said. “That comment alone made me feel like I won Halloween.”