Travic Kelce’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole appeared to address the “backlash and embarrassment” she has faced online since he was romantically linked with Taylor Swift last month.
The sports presenter dated the Kansas City Chiefs tight-end on-and-off for five years, from 2017 until 2022.
After Kelce’s relationship with the popstar came to light, the NFL star’s ex was targeted by trolls, who began pitting Nicole’s looks against Swift’s.
They also left “unnecessary comments” including Taylor Swift GIFs under her Instagram posts and commented on her salary.
In a new Instagram video, which features the sports journalist reciting a letter she wrote to Black women, the 31-year-old seemingly addressed the scrutiny she’s suffered.
She began: “It’s always been really important for me to use my platform not to create division but to elevate and unite women – Black women specifically,” she began in the powerful clip shared to Instagram.
Starting her open letter, Nicole said: “Dear Black girl, they may call you a traitor for falling in love. You hope the closest ones would protect you, but you will quickly find out that people don’t protect what they don’t value.
“In the same breath, they’ll tell you that you’re not enough. Not successful enough, not wholesome enough, not successful enough, maybe not intelligent enough.
“They’ll say you deserve the backlash and embarrassment because of your Blackness, you should have known better. They’ll even try to tie your value to your net worth but Black girl, please remember your value lies elsewhere.”
The social media star urged women not to participate in this “tumultuous, often one-sided journey”, asking them to “preserve your heart even when they try to quantify your character” because there is “power in your silence”.
She continued: “You can use that same power to silence the noise and self-doubt...the voices within that want you to give in to this demoralising and antiquated narrative.
Concluding her comments, Nicole suggested resources such as “therapy, prayer, and community” for anyone struggling with negativity or trolling online.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Swift has received the “stamp of approval” from Kelce’s mother.
The singer, 33, and the Kansas City tight end, also 33, have reportedly been dating for a few months, but have recently stepped up their public displays of affection, with Swift attending several of the NFL star’s matches.
Swift has also been spotted cheering on her new beau while sat next to his mother, Donna, in the crowd and according to DailyMail.com, they already have a “genuine affection for each other”.
