KANSAS CITY, Missouri (AP) — Taylor Swift capped off a headline-grabbing week that included: their support for Kamala Harris for the President and seven trophies from the MTV Video Music Awards by showing up at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday to see the Kansas City Chiefs.
Swift arrived about 90 minutes before kickoff to watch her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and the two-time defending Super Bowl champions take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a rematch of two of the last three AFC championship games.
Swift has developed a close friendship with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany over the past year, and that sparked controversy this week after the 14-time Grammy winner said she supported Harris over Donald Trump in November’s election.
Trump has been repeatedly referring to Brittany Mahomes in interviews and speeches since last month, after she first liked – and then re-liked – an Instagram post by the Republican presidential candidate outlining the “2024 GOP platform.” Shortly afterward, Trump posted on Truth Social: “I want to thank the wonderful Brittany Mahomes for defending me so vigorously.”
Swift’s support for Harris prompted Trump to say in a phone interview with Fox News this week: “To tell you the truth, I actually like Mrs. Mahomes a lot better. She’s a big Trump fan. I like Brittany. I think Brittany is great.”
Trump went even further on Sunday, posting on Truth Social in all caps: “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!”
Patrick Mahomes declined to endorse anyone when asked about the situation. Instead, people are being asked to register to vote.
“I don’t want my space and my platform to be used to endorse a candidate or whatever,” the two-time NFL MVP said before Wednesday’s practice. “I think my job is to educate people so they can register to vote. It’s my job to educate people so they can do their own research and then make the best decision for themselves and their family.”
Brittany Mahomes has since stayed out of the political spotlight except to respond to critics on social media. In one post, she said, “To be a hater as an adult, you have to have deep-rooted issues that you refuse to heal since childhood.”
Some critics suggested that political reasons may have caused a rift between her and Swift two weeks ago when the two were not together for the Chiefs’ season-opening win over the Ravens. But they were together again the weekend before at the US Open in New York.
On Wednesday night, Swift brought her total number of MTV Video Music Awards to 30, tying Beyoncé for the record for most wins by any artist. Her impressive haul included the night’s biggest trophy for Video of the Year, for which she thanked her “boyfriend Travis” for being on the set of the “Fortnight” music video and cheering her on.
“Everything this man touches turns into happiness, fun and magic,” Swift said before using her platform again to encourage fans over the age of 18 to register to vote. Presidential elections 2024.
The popular singer began her high-profile romance with Kelce last season when he invited Swift to watch him play at Arrowhead. The “Anti-Hero” singer accepted the offer for a September matchup with the Bears.
Since then, Swift and the four-time All-Pro tight end have spent a lot of time together, often with cameras following their every move. Swift has become a regular at Chiefs games when she takes a break from her Eras Tour, and Kelce has accompanied her to several appearances during the offseason, even making a cameo on stage at Wembley Stadium in London.
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