Jana Kramer, a country singer and actress, expressed her concerns about the behavior of NFL player Travis Kelce and the impact it might have on his girlfriend, pop star Taylor Swift, during her “Whine Down” podcast aired on May 6, 2024.
Kramer, 40, took issue with Kelce, 34, for what she perceived as excessive drinking and an aggressive demeanor.
Kramer stated during her podcast, “In every video I’ve seen, he appears to be drunk.” She raised concerns that Kelce’s habits might rub off on Taylor Swift, 34, adding, “I notice her drinking more now—like the company you keep.” Kramer also took issue with Kelce’s behavior towards Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid during the Super Bowl, noting, “The Super Bowl incident rubbed me the wrong way… that aggression.”
Despite initially viewing Kelce and Swift as an admirable couple, Kramer went on to say that Kelce’s attitude reminded her of a past relationship. Although she did not name the individual directly, her podcast guest Josie Van Dyke suggested that she might be referring to Kramer’s ex-husband, former Washington Redskins player Mike Caussin.
Kramer also took a dim view of Kelce’s fondness for the limelight since he started dating Swift, describing his behavior as self-indulgent.
Kelce was reportedly disturbed by Kramer’s comments, particularly since he had never met her. A source close to Kelce spoke to Page Six, stating, “Her remarks take him aback, and he thinks she decided to target his romance with Swift for attention.”
Another person defended Kelce, pointing out that his celebrity status puts him under intense scrutiny, which could lead to an exaggerated perception of his actions. “It’s not like he’s passed out anywhere. If that were the case, I’d understand the concern, but that’s not what’s happening,” the source said.
Reactions to Kramer’s comments on social media were largely negative. One user questioned Kramer’s credibility given her own history of multiple marriages, while another suggested that Kramer had no right to judge Kelce given that she doesn’t know him personally.
Kelce’s relationship with Swift has been widely reported on, with the couple frequently appearing in the media. In December 2023, Swift publicly acknowledged their relationship for the first time and spoke highly of Kelce’s support. “I’m going to watch him do what he loves, and we’re there for each other,” she told Time magazine. “We’re just proud of each other.”
Reacting to Kramer’s comments, Kelce admitted that he is still adjusting to the public scrutiny that comes with his relationship with Swift, but emphasized the importance of continuing to live his life. “You just have to keep living, learning, and enjoying the moments,” he stated.
Despite the controversy, Kelce and Swift continue to appear together in public. They were recently seen at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, and at a charity event hosted by Patrick Mahomes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
