Travis Kelce Criticized by Fans for One Detail Spotted during US Open with Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance has been the talk of the town since they first stepped out together. The unexpected pairing of the pop superstar and the NFL champion captured everyone’s attention, with fans eagerly following their every move.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift photographed sharing a kiss following the NFL Super Bowl 58th football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

But now, their relationship has people talking for a different reason. During their recent appearance at the US Open, a body language expert highlighted troubling signs, pointing to red flags in how the couple interacted.

Social media users also criticized Kelce’s actions during the event, with some going as far as accusing him of having no self-respect for what he did while out with Swift and questioning the authenticity of their relationship.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spotted in New York on September 7, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Swift and Kelce’s High-Profile Romance

In 2023, Swift, one of the most successful artists of her generation, embarked on a journey of revisiting her career highlights through her “Eras” tour. This monumental tour, which spanned multiple dates across five continents, was celebrated as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, attracting fans from all corners of the globe.

It was projected to become the highest-grossing tour of all time, possibly surpassing the billion-dollar mark. Reflecting on this pivotal moment in her career, Swift remarked, “It feels like the breakthrough moment of my career, happening at 33. And for the first time in my life, I was mentally tough enough to take what comes with that.”

While Swift’s professional life was soaring, her personal life was just as eventful. In early 2023, she ended her long-term relationship with actor Joe Alwyn, a split that marked the end of a significant chapter in her life.

Soon after, she began dating NFL star Travis Kelce, and their budding romance quickly became a hot topic among fans and the media.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spotted leaving Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 10, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Swift commented on her experiences being thrust into the sports spotlight, “I don’t know how they know what suite I’m in. There’s a camera, like, a half-mile away, and you don’t know where it is, and you have no idea when the camera is putting you in the broadcast, so I don’t know if I’m being shown 17 times or once.”

Taylor Swift watching the Kansas City Chiefs play the Las Vegas Raiders in a suite with Travis Kelce’s father, Ed Kelce, on December 25, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Swift’s involvement with Kelce has had an undeniable impact on the world of sports. As one of the most recognizable athletes in the NFL, Kelce’s games already attracted significant attention.

However, with Swift cheering from the stands, viewership numbers reportedly skyrocketed, proving once again that she could elevate even America’s favorite pastime to new heights.

Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes spotted reacting to a touchdown scored by Travis Kelce during a football game on October 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Source: Getty Images

The story of how Swift and Kelce met only added to the intrigue surrounding their relationship. Their connection began in an unexpected way when Kelce, on his shared podcast, humorously expressed his hope of meeting the “Daylight” singer during her “Eras Tour” concert in Kansas City.

Kelce had crafted a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it, hoping to hand it to Swift at the concert, but he left disappointed when he didn’t get the chance. Shortly after, Swift and Kelce began spending time together away from the public eye, allowing them to develop their connection in private.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift spotted at the “SNL” season premiere party on October 14, 2023, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Swift appreciated this quieter period, explaining that it gave them a chance to truly get to know each other without the pressure of public scrutiny.

“By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple. I think some people think that they saw our first date at that game. We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date,” the Grammy Award-winning singer revealed.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, watching his game on September 24, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

For Swift, the real value in their relationship lay in their mutual support and pride in one another. “When you say a relationship is public, that means I’m going to see him do what he loves. We’re showing up for each other, other people are there, and we don’t care,” she said.

“The opposite of that is you have to go to an extreme amount of effort to make sure no one knows that you’re seeing someone. And we’re just proud of each other,” Swift added.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spotted in New York on October 15, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Kelce, for his part, was quick to praise Swift, often marveling at her unmatched talent and work ethic. He expressed admiration for her ability to perform at such a high level, night after night, especially during her packed London shows at Wembley Stadium.

The football player also spoke fondly about experiencing her taste in music from a new perspective, describing how eye-opening it was to see the way she listens and engages with music.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift following the NFL Super Bowl 58th football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

“We’re both very career-driven. We both love what we do and any chance that I can show my support to her — and knowing that she’s showing me all the support in the world throughout the season — it’s just been an amazing experience getting to know Tay,” he said.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift celebrating his team’s victory in the AFC Championship Game on January 28, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. | Source: Getty Images

Criticism and Expert Analysis of Kelce and Swift’s Recent Public Appearance

During their much-discussed appearance at the US Open, the public got a closer look at the dynamics of Kelce and Swift’s relationship, which left some fans and critics concerned.

A body language expert, Darren Stanton, analyzed their interactions during the event and shared his observations, pointing out several red flags that might suggest trouble in paradise.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the 2024 US Open on September 8, 2024, in New York. | Source: Images

Stanton noted a noticeable shift in Kelce’s demeanor as his relationship with Swift progressed. Initially, the pair were highly affectionate in public, often seen holding hands and sharing kisses.

However, over time, Kelce’s energy levels appeared to drop, and his public displays of affection became less frequent. Stanton explained that Kelce’s interactions seemed to have lost the spark they once had, with much of his affection now appearing only when Swift was looking his way.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2024, in New York. | Source: Images

Describing Swift as “a firework as usual,” Stanton observed that Kelce’s engagement in their interactions often seemed prompted by her presence rather than being spontaneous.

He noted that the strong eye contact and tactile moments that were so evident early in their relationship were now less apparent. Stanton theorized that their public displays of affection no longer felt as authentic as before, suggesting that Swift often appeared to be “on duty” when with Kelce.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2024, in New York. | Source: Images

As the relationship unfolded publicly, Stanton described how the couple’s earlier body language, filled with tight hugs and synchronized movements, had gradually faded. Their matching and mirroring gestures, which once highlighted a strong connection, were no longer as prominent.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce seen at the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2024, in New York. | Source: Images

Stanton speculated that Kelce might be feeling overwhelmed by the relentless media attention that comes with dating Swift, and that his reduced affection could be a sign of discomfort with the constant scrutiny.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2024, in New York. | Source: Images

“Even though he is used to the razzmatazz of American football, he’s never experienced anything like this,” Stanton noted, adding that Kelce might have reached a tipping point with the “Taylor Swift circus” surrounding their relationship.

The expert’s analysis was bolstered by observations from fans, who spotted Kelce engaging in behavior that fueled criticism during the US Open. While seated with Swift, Kelce appeared to have his phone propped up, seemingly watching something during the match.

Travis Kelce appearing to be watching something on his phone while at day 14 of the US Open tennis tournament in New York with girlfriend Taylor Swift on September 8, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Many speculated that he was keeping an eye on a football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, which was taking place at the same time. With Kelce’s own team set to face the Bengals the following week, it seemed likely that he was using the opportunity to scout his competition.

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes on day 14 of the US Open tennis tournament in New York on September 8, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

“Yes, he most likely was watching the Bengals game. This time of year he is totally committed to football. If he can do that and spend time with Taylor, then he is one up [on] everyone else,” one social media user shared.

Another theorized, “Most likely, he was watching soccer until Taylor saw.” A third person added, “She’s probably writing a song to let him know [the] relationship is over.”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce photographed at the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2024, in New York. | Source: Images

However, this act did not sit well with some social media users, who chastised Kelce for appearing distracted during a high-profile date with Swift. “He doesn’t have any self-respect!” one person shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The online backlash extended beyond Kelce’s behavior at the event, with some critics going as far as questioning the authenticity of their entire relationship.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spotted at the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2024, in New York. | Source: Images

“I think the whole thing is fake!” a social media user typed. Someone else shared the same sentiment, stating, “Drinking on is one thing. But I just don’t see any real chemistry between them. None of the natural cues one sees when a couple [is] truly in love.”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the 2024 US Open on September 8, 2024, in New York. | Source: Images

The public’s criticism and the expert’s insights put a spotlight on the evolving dynamic between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, highlighting the unique challenges faced by celebrity couples under constant public gaze.