Travis Kelce found himself at the center of a brutal trolling incident following the 2026 Met Gala, despite skipping the annual event along with his fiancée, Taylor Swift. The NFL star, who has a close connection with his fans and fellow celebrities, was subjected to relentless mocking over his “outfit” after he and Swift opted to avoid the glitzy fashion extravaganza in New York.
This year’s Met Gala was once again a star-studded event, with A-list celebrities and designers showcasing over-the-top, theme-inspired ensembles on the iconic red carpet. However, despite Swift owning an apartment in Manhattan, both she and Kelce decided not to attend, leaving fans and media alike to speculate on their absence.
Savage Trolling from Close Friend Taylor Lewan
Even though Kelce was not in attendance, his good friend, former NFL tackle Taylor Lewan, couldn’t resist poking fun at the Chiefs’ star. Lewan shared a clip on social media of British singer Sam Smith ascending the Met Gala stairs in an extravagant black opera coat adorned with jewels, paired with a feathered headpiece. The video jokingly suggested that Smith looked like Kelce, prompting Lewan to tag Kelce with the message: “Hey @tkelce we gotta talk about this fit my guy” followed by a laughing emoji.
Fans of both the NFL and the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, which Lewan co-hosts, found the post hilarious, with many commenting on the striking similarities between Smith and Kelce. “Man, I had to do a double take,” one fan wrote, while another added, “You almost got me.” Others couldn’t help but laugh at the whole exchange, with one person joking, “I can’t believe Taylor makes him dress like this.”
Lewan and Kelce’s Close Relationship
The playful jabs come as no surprise, considering the strong friendship between Lewan and Kelce. The two have appeared together on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast multiple times, creating a bond that has spilled into public moments of banter. Lewan has also made no secret of his excitement about Kelce and Swift’s relationship, even joking that he fully expects an invite to their wedding later this year.
“I do not know when they’re getting married,” Lewan said back in November. “But I fully expect a wedding invitation from Travis. He’s been on the show multiple times.” This added insight into their friendship further illustrates the playful nature of their relationship, with Lewan feeling comfortable enough to make fun of Kelce in a public post.
Taylor Swift’s Absence from the Met Gala
While Kelce’s absence was noted, Taylor Swift’s decision to skip the Met Gala this year also sparked conversation. Swift has not attended the event in nearly a decade, with her last appearance in 2016 as a co-chair for the Manus et Machina exhibition. Since then, Swift has largely stayed away from the glamorous event, citing her busy schedule as the main reason for her absence.
Swift’s longstanding absence from the Met Gala has led to ongoing speculation, especially considering her ongoing relationship with Kelce. However, her decision to skip the event this year was no surprise to those familiar with her schedule, which is filled with music releases, tours, and other commitments.
The Wedding and What’s Next for the Couple
While Kelce and Swift have become one of the most talked-about couples in recent months, it seems their personal lives remain relatively private, aside from the occasional public moment. The two have been together since 2023, and although their relationship has captured the attention of fans around the world, they’ve largely kept things low-key.
Despite the public interest in their relationship, Kelce and Swift’s absence from the Met Gala shows they are focused on enjoying their private moments away from the spotlight. Fans continue to anticipate their wedding later this year, with many hopeful that Kelce’s close friends, including Lewan, will indeed receive their invitations.
As for Kelce, his absence from the Met Gala and the trolling from Lewan only add to the fun and camaraderie surrounding his public persona. Whether he’s winning Super Bowls or navigating the world of fashion (or lack thereof), Travis Kelce remains one of the most beloved and entertaining athletes in the spotlight.
With the wedding date set for July 3, fans will be watching closely to see what comes next for the couple — and whether more Met Gala-related jokes will follow. For now, the playful teasing and loving banter between Kelce and his friends, along with the unwavering support of Taylor Swift, proves that their bond is built on laughter and mutual respect.
