Taylor Swift, attending Super Bowl LIX to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, faced an unexpected reaction from the crowd Sunday when she was booed after appearing on the jumbotron at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
In video footage circulated on social media, Swift, 35, appeared momentarily taken aback by the negative response but quickly composed herself, exchanging glances with friends Ice Spice and Ashley Avignone before smiling and shaking off the reaction. The Grammy-winning artist was seated in a VIP suite alongside Kelce's parents, Donna and Ed Kelce, as well as her brother Austin Swift and the Haim sisters, Este, Danielle, and Alana.
Moments after the incident, tennis legend Serena Williams took to X, formerly Twitter, to defend Swift. "I love you @taylorswift13 don't listen to those boos!!!" Williams, 43, wrote in a post that quickly gained traction among Swift's supporters.
The reaction from the crowd underscores the polarizing presence of the pop superstar at NFL games, which has drawn both enthusiasm and criticism over the past season. Swift has attended multiple Chiefs games since her relationship with Kelce became public in late 2023, fueling debates among football fans about the extent of her coverage during broadcasts.
Some on social media criticized the crowd's reaction, calling the boos unwarranted. "Outta pocket, let the girl live," one X user commented, while another wrote, "Booing her for something that literally isn't her fault is strange." Others, however, defended the reaction. "Take the hint, Taylor," one person wrote, while another commented, "The NFL fan base isn't her fanbase. Why would people cheer for her?"
Despite the mixed reception, Swift appeared unfazed as she continued enjoying the game. She sported a white Saint Laurent blazer, bedazzled shorts by Monday Denim, and knee-high Paris Texas boots, complementing the Chiefs' colors with a red Givenchy handbag. Notably, she also wore a "T" necklace from Lorraine Schwartz, which fans speculated could symbolize either "Taylor" or "Travis."
Other high-profile attendees at the game included Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd, and Jay-Z, as the Chiefs sought to secure their third consecutive Super Bowl victory.
Swift's presence at NFL games has been a subject of intense discussion throughout the season, with her appearances often drawing significant media attention. The league itself has leaned into her star power, occasionally featuring her on broadcasts, a move that has divided football fans.
Kelce, 35, has also reciprocated support for Swift, attending stops on her Eras Tour in multiple cities. The couple's high-profile relationship has generated a surge of crossover interest between music and sports audiences, with the NFL experiencing a notable increase in female viewership this season.
