Recently, a particularly sensational claim has circulated within NFL circles and beyond, alleging that pop superstar Taylor Swift refused to accompany Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to the 2025 Kentucky Derby, leading to an altercation where Kelce supposedly slapped Swift in anger.

This rumor has sparked widespread discussion among fans of both the NFL and Swift, raising questions about the couple’s relationship and the credibility of such a serious accusation.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the origins of the rumor, examine the evidence—or lack thereof—supporting it, explore the couple’s recent activities, and provide a critical analysis of the claim’s plausibility.

The Rumor: A Breakdown of the Claim

The rumor suggests that Taylor Swift declined to join Travis Kelce at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, an event known for its high-profile attendees and extravagant celebrations.

According to the claim, this refusal led to a heated argument between the couple, culminating in Kelce allegedly slapping Swift in a fit of anger.

The story has spread rapidly across social media platforms and gossip outlets, fueled by the couple’s high-profile status and the public’s fascination with their relationship.

The Kentucky Derby, held annually on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is a major event in the sports and entertainment calendar.

Kelce attended the 2024 Derby solo, which sparked speculation about Swift’s absence at the time, but there were no reports of any altercation. The 2025 Derby, which took place on May 3, 2025, has now become the focal point of this new rumor.

The claim of physical violence is particularly alarming, as it stands in stark contrast to the public image of Kelce and Swift’s relationship, which has generally been portrayed as supportive and affectionate. Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and Swift, a 14-time Grammy winner, have been dating since the summer of 2023, with their relationship becoming a cultural phenomenon due to their respective successes in sports and music.

Investigating the Evidence: What Do We Know?

To assess the validity of this rumor, we need to examine the available evidence, starting with Kelce’s attendance at the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Swift’s whereabouts during that time, followed by any reports of an altercation.

Kelce at the 2025 Kentucky Derby

While there is no direct confirmation of Kelce’s attendance at the 2025 Kentucky Derby as of April 13, 2025, we can look to his past behavior for insight. Kelce attended the 150th Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024, without Swift, as reported by multiple sources.

He was spotted at Churchill Downs in a white pinstripe suit and navy fedora, enjoying the event and even celebrating a winning bet.

At the time, Swift’s absence was attributed to her preparations for the resumption of her Eras Tour in Paris, which began on May 9, 2024.

Kelce later shared on his “New Heights” podcast that he had a great time at the Derby, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” and expressing interest in returning in 2025, possibly with his brother Jason Kelce.

Given Kelce’s enthusiasm for the event and his mention of wanting to attend again, it’s plausible that he was present at the 2025 Kentucky Derby. However, there are no confirmed reports of his attendance, and certainly no credible accounts of an altercation involving Swift.

Swift’s Schedule in Early May 2025

Swift’s Eras Tour concluded its European leg in August 2024, and she has not announced any tour dates for 2025 as of this writing.

However, her schedule in early 2025 has been relatively low-profile following the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025.

According to a report from People, Swift and Kelce were spotted together in Park City, Utah, in early March 2025, indicating that their relationship was intact at that point.

Additionally, posts on X around April 8, 2025, suggested that the couple had decided to prioritize Kelce’s NFL career over public appearances together, though this information is inconclusive without further corroboration.

If Swift was not on tour in May 2025, her absence from the Derby could be attributed to personal or professional commitments, similar to her absence in 2024 due to tour preparations.

However, there is no evidence to suggest that she explicitly “refused” to attend the event with Kelce, as the rumor claims.

The Alleged Altercation

The most serious part of the rumor—that Kelce slapped Swift in anger—lacks any supporting evidence.

There are no police reports, eyewitness accounts, or media coverage to substantiate this claim as of April 13, 2025.

Domestic violence is a grave accusation, and such an incident involving two high-profile figures would likely generate significant media attention, legal action, or public statements from the individuals involved or their representatives.

The absence of any such documentation strongly suggests that this part of the rumor is fabricated.

Moreover, Kelce’s public behavior does not align with this claim. In November 2024, his brother Jason Kelce was involved in an altercation with a fan who used a homophobic slur to insult Travis’s relationship with Swift.

Jason addressed the incident on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown,” expressing regret for responding to hate with hate and emphasizing his commitment to living by the “golden rule.”

While this incident highlights the intense scrutiny the Kelce family faces, it does not indicate a pattern of violent behavior from Travis.

The Couple’s Relationship: A Timeline of Recent Events

To better understand the context of this rumor, let’s look at the trajectory of Swift and Kelce’s relationship in the lead-up to May 2025.

2023–2024: A High-Profile Romance

Swift and Kelce began dating in the summer of 2023 and went public with their relationship in September of that year.

Swift became a regular presence at Chiefs games, including the 2024 Super Bowl, where she celebrated Kelce’s victory with a kiss on the field. Kelce reciprocated by attending several Eras Tour concerts, even joining Swift on stage during her London show in June 2024.

Early 2025: Super Bowl Loss and Reduced Public Appearances

The Chiefs’ loss in Super Bowl LIX marked a turning point for the couple’s public visibility.

Reports from Yardbarker on April 7, 2025, noted that Swift and Kelce had been “laying low” since the loss, possibly due to backlash over the perceived overexposure of their relationship.

Their sighting in Park City in March 2025 confirmed that they were still together, but their decision to limit public appearances may have fueled speculation about their relationship status.

April 2025: Continued Scrutiny

In early April 2025, Daily Mail published articles claiming that Kelce was struggling with his NFL performance and attributing it to the pressures of fame from dating Swift, as well as alleging that Kelce had “betrayed” Swift in some unspecified way.

These reports, however, lack concrete evidence and appear to be speculative. Meanwhile, posts on X suggested that the couple was focusing on Kelce’s career, but this information remains unverified.

Analyzing the Rumor’s Plausibility

Several factors undermine the plausibility of this rumor:

Lack of Evidence

The absence of any credible reports, legal documents, or firsthand accounts of an altercation between Kelce and Swift is a significant red flag.

Given the couple’s fame, such an incident would almost certainly be documented by media outlets or law enforcement, yet no such evidence exists.

Swift’s Absence as a Pattern, Not a Conflict

Swift did not attend the 2024 Kentucky Derby with Kelce, and her absence was attributed to her tour schedule.

If Kelce attended the 2025 Derby, Swift’s absence could similarly be due to other commitments, not a refusal that sparked an argument. The rumor’s framing of her absence as a deliberate “refusal” leading to violence is speculative and unsupported.

Kelce’s Character and Public Persona

Kelce has been portrayed as a supportive partner throughout his relationship with Swift. His actions—such as attending her concerts, speaking positively about her in interviews, and engaging in charitable activities—do not align with the violent behavior described in the rumor.

While no one is immune to private struggles, there is no public history of violence in Kelce’s past to lend credence to this claim.

Media and Fan Dynamics

The Swift-Kelce relationship has been under intense scrutiny since it began, often leading to exaggerated or fabricated stories.

For example, Kelce’s solo appearance at the 2024 Derby sparked breakup rumors, which were later debunked as the couple continued to appear together. The 2025 rumor may be an extension of this pattern, amplified by the couple’s reduced public presence after the Super Bowl loss.

Cultural Context of the Derby

The Kentucky Derby is a celebratory event, often attended by celebrities for enjoyment and publicity.

Kelce’s 2024 attendance was marked by positive experiences, such as celebrating a winning bet and enjoying the festivities with friends like Chandler Parsons and The Chainsmokers. The idea that such an event would lead to a violent altercation seems inconsistent with its atmosphere and Kelce’s documented behavior at the 2024 Derby.

The Broader Impact: Why This Rumor Matters

This rumor, while likely false, highlights several important issues:

The Danger of Unverified Claims

Accusations of domestic violence are serious and can have lasting consequences for the individuals involved, even if proven false. Spreading such rumors without evidence undermines the credibility of real victims and contributes to a culture of sensationalism over truth.

The Pressure of Public Scrutiny

Swift and Kelce’s relationship has been a lightning rod for public attention, often leading to invasive speculation about their personal lives.

This rumor underscores the challenges faced by high-profile couples in maintaining privacy and combating misinformation.

Media Responsibility

Gossip outlets and social media platforms play a significant role in amplifying unverified claims. The lack of accountability in spreading this rumor reflects a broader issue in media ethics, where clicks and engagement often take precedence over accuracy.