In response to backlash she received from Taylor Swift fans, Angel Reese, a basketball player for the Chicago Sky, made a statement on her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.” In the podcast episode, Reese spoke with Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, who discussed her past relationship with Kelce and the aftermath of their split. Nicole mentioned that she and Kelce had seen each other in public spaces, but due to his new relationship with Swift, they had to avoid acknowledging each other publicly to prevent any misconceptions. Nicole also expressed that she had learned many lessons from her past relationship with Kelce and would be cautious about entering into another public relationship in the future to protect herself from negative attention.
During the podcast, Nicole did not mention Taylor Swift but did address the hate she has received online from a faction of Swift’s fanbase. She admitted that the hate and chaos online have impacted her, despite her efforts to ignore it. Nicole also shared that as a sports analyst still connected to the NFL, she would continue to cover all NFL teams and players, including the Chiefs, regardless of the hate directed at her. She mentioned that being associated with a high-profile team like the Chiefs came with the territory and that she would not let the negativity affect her coverage of the team.
Nicole expressed her concerns about the level of fame attracting anonymous online negativity, even though she had never done anything to warrant such backlash. She revealed that people often criticize her work and talents online, leaving hurtful comments on her posts and questioning her career. Despite facing constant online harassment, Nicole remained determined to focus on her job as a sports analyst and cover all NFL teams professionally, including the Chiefs, without letting the hate affect her work. She acknowledged the challenges of dealing with obsessed fans and online trolls but remained committed to her role in the sports industry.
Reese shared her thoughts on the situation by posting a response on social media, mentioning that “hating pays too.” This cryptic message seemed to address the backlash she and Nicole had faced from Swift’s fans following the podcast episode. By acknowledging the negative attention they were receiving, Reese hinted at the toll that online hate can take on public figures like herself and Nicole. Despite the challenges, Reese and Nicole remained focused on their respective careers in basketball and sports analysis, determined to navigate the aftermath of their past relationships and the unwanted attention that came with it.
The podcast episode shed light on the complexities of being in the public eye, especially when dealing with the aftermath of high-profile relationships and online hate. Reese and Nicole’s candid conversation revealed their resilience in the face of adversity, as they continued to focus on their professional endeavors despite the negative attention they received. The episode also highlighted the challenges of fame and the impact it can have on individuals, especially when dealing with obsessive fan communities and online trolling. Through their experiences, Reese and Nicole demonstrated strength and perseverance in overcoming the obstacles that came with their public personas and relationships.
