Taylor Swift’s latest performance on her Eras Tour has sparked a wave of controversy on social media, with fans accusing the pop star of making her current boyfriend, NFL player Travis Kelce, mimic the on-stage behavior of her ex-boyfriend, Matty Healy. The incident occurred during Swift’s London stop on June 23, where Kelce made a surprise appearance.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end appeared onstage in a tuxedo and top hat while Swift was changing outfits for her performance of "I Can Do It with a Broken Heart." A photo that went viral showed Kelce striking a pose with his chin resting on his arms, a gesture strikingly similar to one frequently performed by Healy, the frontman of The 1975. This similarity was pointed out in a Reddit post, which quickly garnered attention and criticism.
The Reddit post featured a side-by-side comparison of Kelce’s pose with a photo of Healy doing the same during one of his shows. The caption read, “Taylor made Travis do this pose when he was on stage. Matty does this during his shows.” The implication that Swift had orchestrated this imitation led to a flurry of negative comments from social media users.
“Imagine being any man she pursues in the future. Good luck ever having a non-PR relationship ever again lol,” commented one user, expressing skepticism about the authenticity of Swift’s relationships. Another added, “Matty needs a restraining order. This is scary. Also, which mental illness is it where you have no shame and don’t get embarrassed? Whatever that one is is the one she has. I would be MORTIFIED for people to know I copy my exes performance every night because I miss him and want him back.”
A third critic stated, “I’m sorry but this girl is mentally ill. She needs help. This is creepy, obsessive, and has a weird bully vibe to it.” The backlash intensified when another user pointed out that Swift had also mimicked another of Healy’s stage antics: being carried by someone. During the London show, Kelce lifted Swift in a manner reminiscent of Healy’s performance, further fueling the controversy.
Despite the criticism, Swift has not publicly addressed the accusations. Instead, she took to social media to express her excitement about Kelce’s participation in her show. “I’m still cracking up/swooning over @killatrav’s Eras Tour debut. Never going to forget these shows,” she wrote on Instagram. “Can’t wait to do it 5 more times in August. Up next: Dublin!!” accompanied by an emoji of the Irish flag.
This incident has brought to light the intense scrutiny that Swift’s personal and professional life undergoes. The comparisons between Kelce and Healy, and the accusations of Swift orchestrating these imitations, highlight the pressures faced by high-profile celebrities and their relationships.
The broader context includes Swift’s high-profile relationships and their public perceptions. Swift and Healy had a brief relationship that ended before he announced his engagement to model Gabriette Bechtel. This recent engagement has added another layer to the scrutiny of Swift’s actions and her new relationship with Kelce.
The controversy surrounding Swift’s alleged behavior raises questions about the nature of celebrity relationships and the impact of public opinion on their personal lives. The intense reactions on social media reflect the polarized views of Swift’s fan base and the broader public.