Kayla Nicole, the ex-girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, has spoken candidly about the relentless trolling she has endured since Kelce’s high-profile romance with global superstar Taylor Swift went public. Nicole, a sports reporter and entrepreneur, addressed the emotional toll of the situation during a confessional segment on Wednesday’s episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
“Going through a public breakup, just to be frank, it’s been overwhelming,” Nicole, 33, admitted. “I’ve never experienced anything like it. I’ve been reduced to a headline, to something as small as someone’s ex-girlfriend.”
Nicole revealed that she receives an outpouring of negativity from trolls, particularly in light of Kelce’s relationship with Swift, whom she described as a “mega-superstar.” Despite the backlash, Nicole maintained a positive perspective on Swift, saying, “I like her. She’s very talented.”
Life After Kelce
Nicole and Kelce dated on and off from 2017 to 2022, building a relationship that was often in the public eye due to Kelce’s NFL stardom and Nicole’s own burgeoning media career. However, when Kelce began dating Swift in September 2023, the media frenzy around his personal life intensified—and so did the scrutiny directed at Nicole.
Nicole’s presence on social media has been a lightning rod for Swift’s fanbase, some of whom have attacked her appearance and character. In one particularly viral incident in September 2024, a troll shared unflattering photos of Nicole alongside the caption, “Very pretty,” accompanied by a puking emoji. Nicole clapped back with a confident response: “YOU WILL NEVER MAKE ME HATE ME. Hang it upppppppp bookie.”
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A Message to Black Women
In October 2023, Nicole issued an open letter on social media addressing the backlash she faced, specifically calling out the intersection of race and gender in the harassment. Her letter, aimed at “Black women specifically,” was both empowering and poignant.
“Preserve your heart even when they try to quantify your character and test your boundaries,” Nicole wrote. “You do not have to respond. Because there is power in your silence.”
The letter resonated with many, earning widespread praise for its strength and authenticity.
Breaking Points and Boundaries
Ahead of the release of Swift’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, in April 2024, Nicole once again addressed the harassment, emphasizing her desire to be left alone.
“I’m unproblematic. I mind my business. Never respond to the constant vitriol,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Solid as they come & don’t expect a pat on the back for it either. Just know everyone has a breaking point & would love for ‘y’all’ (because you know exactly who you are) to leave me alone.”
Kelce and Swift Stay Silent
While Nicole has spoken openly about her experiences, Kelce and Swift have refrained from commenting on the situation. The couple’s relationship, which began in 2023, has become one of the most talked-about pairings in pop culture, with fans and media alike fixating on their every move.
Finding Strength in Adversity
Through it all, Nicole has remained focused on her own journey. As the founder of Tribe Therep?, a wellness brand, she continues to advocate for mental health and personal empowerment. Her appearance on Special Forces further demonstrates her resilience, as she pushes herself through physically and emotionally grueling challenges.
“Life after a public breakup is not easy, especially when your ex is dating one of the most famous people in the world,” Nicole reflected on the show. “But I’ve learned to stand strong, even when people try to tear me down.”
Nicole’s story is a testament to the challenges of navigating personal heartbreak under the intense scrutiny of the public eye—and the strength it takes to rise above it.
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