The former partner of Travis Kelce opens up about the emotional impact of social media scrutiny amid speculation over Swift’s new song.

Kayla Nicole Addresses Online Backlash

October 7, 2025: Kayla Nicole, former girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce, has publicly expressed her fear of online criticism following the release of Taylor Swift’s new song “Opalite” from her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl. In a candid conversation on her podcast, The Pre-Game With Kayla Nicole, she admitted to being “terrified” of reading comments and direct messages on her social media due to their often critical nature. This admission comes amid fan speculation that Swift’s song references Nicole and her past relationship with Kelce, who is now engaged to Swift.

Speculation Surrounding “Opalite” Lyrics

The speculation stems from lyrics in “Opalite” that appear to allude to a past romantic partner distracted by her phone—a possible reference to a resurfaced video of Nicole and Kelce. In the video, Kelce is seen asking Nicole to stop using her phone during dinner, a moment that fans have linked to the song’s lyrics. Nicole responded indirectly to the comparisons with a clip from America’s Next Top Model, emphasizing self-confidence.

Impact on Personal Well-being

Nicole has also responded indirectly to the comparisons with a clip from America’s Next Top Model, emphasizing self-confidence. Despite online rumors about her distancing from mutual friends of Kelce, like Brittany Mahomes, Nicole clarified that personal conversations had taken place and that she is focused on protecting herself publicly. She ultimately stressed the importance of not letting outside opinions take up too much space in her life, reflecting a growing emphasis on self-care and mental resilience.