Kayla Nicole, the former girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce, has publicly denied that her recent Halloween costume was intended as a diss at Taylor Swift, asserting instead that it was a tribute to singer Toni Braxton.
Kayla Nicole sparked widespread speculation after sharing a video of herself dressed as Toni Braxton from the “He Wasn’t Man Enough” music video for Halloween. The costume, featuring a silver chain-mail dress, quickly went viral on social media, with many fans interpreting it as a subtle shot at her ex-boyfriend Travis Kelce and his current partner, Taylor Swift, due to the song’s lyrics about an ex’s new relationship.
In response to the backlash, Nicole addressed the controversy on her “Pre-Game” podcast episode released last Saturday. She firmly denied any malicious intent, stating, “I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I am in the business of celebrating them.” She emphasized that her goal was to honor Braxton, whom she admires, and to elevate her Halloween performances each year.
Nicole explained that the costume was inspired by a core memory from her childhood, involving her best friend named Taylor and her mother playing the song “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” She clarified that this Taylor is not the pop star, but a childhood friend, and the memory was about appreciating Black music across cultural lines.
The broadcaster and social media personality has faced ongoing scrutiny since Kelce began dating Swift in 2023. Despite this, she has previously praised Swift’s talent and denied any ill will, though fans often speculate about her social media posts and interviews in relation to the high-profile couple.
Nicole’s Halloween look isn’t the first time she’s used a costume to make a statement; she previously admitted to dressing up as Teyana Taylor, the then-wife of another ex-boyfriend, Iman Shumpert, which she described as the “craziest” thing she’s ever done. Teyana Taylor later criticized that move as “distasteful.”
The recent costume has ignited a TikTok dance trend and continued discussions online, highlighting the intense public interest in the personal lives of those connected to Swift and Kelce. Nicole’s decision to deactivate her X account following the resurfacing of alleged problematic posts has added another layer to the narrative.
Looking ahead, Nicole’s actions underscore the challenges faced by public figures in managing their image and personal stories amidst fan theories and media scrutiny. Her insistence on celebrating rather than denigrating other women may help reshape the conversation around her public persona.
