Taylor Swift fans were left shocked and outraged on Thursday after photos surfaced of Travis Kelce hugging a mystery woman during a photoshoot in Manhattan — all while the pop superstar continues her low-profile break from the spotlight.
Kelce, 35, was seen in New York City posing in front of a sleek green vintage Chevrolet Chevelle SS for what appeared to be a high-profile fashion shoot. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end looked relaxed and stylish in a white cable-knit sweater with green trim, cream trousers, white sneakers, dark sunglasses, and a large camouflage tote bag. Crowds of fans, including loyal listeners of his New Heights podcast, gathered nearby to catch a glimpse of the NFL star.
But what caught the most attention — and sparked backlash from the Swiftie community — was a moment during the shoot when Kelce warmly hugged a woman on set. Though the gesture appeared friendly and professional, many fans were quick to express concern, confusion, and even outrage online, especially with Swift nowhere in sight.
“Where’s Taylor? Why is he out hugging other women while she’s staying private?” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another posted, “I know it’s probably nothing but seeing Travis hugging some random woman while Taylor’s in hiding just doesn’t sit right with me.”
Taylor Swift, also 35, has not been publicly seen in weeks. Her last major appearance was in February when she supported Kelce during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory. Since wrapping the most recent leg of her Eras Tour, the Grammy-winning singer has opted for a quiet retreat from cameras, social media, and events — fueling both intrigue and concern among her fanbase.
Meanwhile, Kelce has remained highly visible. Just this past week, he took a boys’ trip to Las Vegas with his brother Jason Kelce and singer Justin Timberlake, where the trio played late-night poker and participated in Timberlake’s early-morning golf invitational. He’s also expected to appear at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend in his role as an investor in the Alpine Formula 1 team.
Despite his high-profile schedule and Swift’s notable absence, insiders insist there’s no trouble in paradise.
“They’re still so in love,” a source told Page Six. “They’re just enjoying the offseason and spending time with their friends and each other.”
Another insider previously shared that the couple has intentionally stepped out of the limelight, calling it a refreshing break. “This is such a nice escape for them,” the source said in early April. “They really cherish this time because they know it won’t last forever. They’ve been cuddling on the couch, watching movies, playing games, cooking — just living real life.”
Swift and Kelce, who began dating in summer 2023, have been one of the most-watched celebrity couples in the world — their every move dissected by fans and media alike. But as Thursday’s reaction showed, even a simple hug can stir headlines when you’re part of a pop culture power couple.
Neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly commented on the photos or the backlash — but with the Met Gala and more public appearances looming, it may not be long before the couple is seen stepping out together once again.
