Travis Kelce's Past 'No' Comment Resurfaces Amid Shane Gillis Backlash as Taylor Swift Fans React

Travis Kelce is facing fresh online scrutiny after reportedly liking Shane Gillis' controversial Saturday Night Live monologue, with the backlash prompting social media users to revisit the NFL star's own past remarks about women. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end's apparent approval of the comedian's routine has fuelled debate among Taylor Swift fans, with some bringing up a resurfaced 2021 podcast clip in which Kelce gave an unexpected answer during a discussion about attraction and his least favourite word.

In the September 2021 episode, Kelce took part in a quick-fire word association game in which he was asked to name his least favourite word and what turned him on. He answered 'no' to both questions before laughing and adding, 'I'm kidding, that was creepy.' The clip has since resurfaced amid the controversy surrounding Gillis, with some social media users drawing comparisons between the two incidents.

Gillis came under fire following his 10 October appearance on SNL, where he made a series of jokes about women's gym clothing, including referring to women who wear revealing workout shorts as 'whores.' The routine prompted criticism from several public figures, including former SNL cast member Cecily Strong and actor Dan Levy. Kelce's reported interaction with the monologue has now added another dimension to the online debate, as some Swift fans question what his apparent approval says about his views on the comedian's remarks.

Travis Kelce's Instagram Like Sparks Backlash

Kelce became part of the controversy after viewers noticed that he had liked an Instagram video featuring Gillis' monologue. The interaction drew attention because of the comedian's choice of language and the criticism that followed.

A source close to Kelce reportedly downplayed the social media activity, saying the football star had long been a fan of the show and was supporting a friend. Kelce and Gillis have previously crossed paths professionally, with the comedian appearing at Kelce's Tight End University event in June.

Nevertheless, some fans argued that liking the video could be interpreted as showing approval of its content. Others cautioned against assuming that a social media like necessarily means someone agrees with every joke in a clip.

Kelce has not publicly addressed the backlash over the interaction.

Old Posts About Women's Appearance Resurface

The controversy has also revived screenshots of posts attributed to Kelce's old Twitter account. The posts, which circulated online in 2024, included comments criticising women's weight and appearance.

One read, 'As a man, you have something wrong with you if your going for girls that weigh more then you!!' Another complained about women having visible back fat, while a separate post criticised the appearance of cheerleaders.

The resurfaced comments prompted renewed accusations of misogyny, with some social media users arguing that the recent incident fits a broader pattern in the way Kelce has spoken about women.

Kelce previously addressed the old posts on his New Heights podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce. He described the tweets as something he wrote when he was immature, explaining that he had used Twitter almost like a diary. However, critics have continued to question whether that explanation was sufficient.

'Breeder' Joke Returns to the Conversation

Another comment from Kelce's podcast has also resurfaced amid the criticism. During a 2023 episode featuring his brother and their mother, Donna, Kelce joked that he would find a 'breeder' and have children to win back his mother's affection.

The remark was made in a humorous family conversation, but some critics objected to the term because it reduces a potential partner to their reproductive role.

As the latest debate spread online, some users connected these older comments with his apparent support for Gillis' monologue. Others argued that individual jokes and social media interactions should be considered in context rather than treated as definitive evidence of someone's beliefs.

Taylor Swift Fans Are Divided

Because of Kelce's high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, the controversy has also drawn reactions from her fanbase. Some Swifties expressed disappointment, arguing that his apparent support for the monologue conflicts with the values they associate with the singer.

Others questioned whether Swift should be held responsible for her partner's online activity, pointing out that Kelce's actions and opinions are his own.

The debate illustrates how a small social media interaction can quickly become a larger conversation about celebrity relationships, public image and accountability. While critics continue to scrutinise Kelce's past remarks, his apparent like alone does not establish that he endorses every statement Gillis made.

For now, neither Kelce nor Swift has publicly issued a detailed response to the latest controversy.