Antonio Brown, a former NFL wide receiver, has once again become a topic of controversy following a crude social media attack against Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and renowned singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.
Brown, celebrated for his exceptional skill on the field and infamous for off-field issues, made the comments on “X” after a recent game between the Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers on September 29. His remarks were disparaging, leading to substantial backlash from fans of Kelce and Swift.
Using sexist and racially insensitive language, Brown’s post targeted Kelce’s relationship with Swift. Brown wrote, “Travis Kelce needs some black(expletive). That bro washed,” suggesting that Kelce’s personal life was hindering his professional performance.
This comment sparked immediate outrage, particularly from Swift’s dedicated fans, known as “Swifties.”
Brown has a history of targeting Swift on social media. Earlier this year, he shared an AI-created image of himself and Swift in a kiss, intensifying his peculiar fixation on the pop star. However, his latest attack seems to have crossed a line with many fans who criticized the post for objectifying women. A fan noted, “You could’ve simply said he needs a black woman.” The sentiment, “ppl need to stop being so hateful,” was echoed by numerous others who found Brown’s comments deeply inappropriate.
These comments have also revived concerns about Brown’s conduct since his retirement from the NFL. Despite a notable career, Brown’s legacy has been overshadowed by several legal issues, accusations of abusive behavior, and erratic public appearances.
Rather than apologizing for his remarks, Brown seemed to welcome the controversy, adding to a news article about the situation with the caption, “N— of the Day #CTESPN.” This provocative comment only intensified the backlash, as fans and critics decried his continued offensive behavior.
Kelce has not publicly responded to Brown’s comments. The Chiefs’ tight end, who recently set a new team record for career receptions, continues to be commended by his teammates and coaches for his performance despite starting the season at a slightly slower pace. In the Chiefs’ victory over the Chargers, Kelce made seven catches for 89 yards, showing a noticeable improvement in his game statistics.
Taylor Swift, meanwhile, has not commented on the issue. However, her absence from recent Chiefs games has led to speculation about her relationship with Kelce. Reports suggest that Swift’s absence is due to her busy schedule preparing for the next leg of her Eras Tour and increased security concerns following a thwarted terror attack in Vienna, Austria earlier this year.
As Brown continues to court controversy, his post-NFL life remains troubled. Despite earning over $88 million during his football career, Brown filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, claiming to have only $50,000 in assets. He has also been embroiled in several legal disputes, including accusations of domestic violence and failure to pay child support.
