Kayla Nicole breaks silence on social media trolls after Kelce-Swift spotlight

The sports journalist says online hate has crossed the line – and Reddit’s part of the problem

Kayla Nicole is done staying quiet.

In a guest spot on the Straight to Cam podcast with hosts Cameron Brinkand Sydel Curry-Lee, the media personality opened up about the pressure she’s faced online since her split from NFL star Travis Kelce – and didn’t mince words. “No. 1 is just logging the f-k out,” she said, explaining her go-to strategy for staying sane amid the chaos. “Because it’s not the real world.”

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Since Kelce’s very public relationship with Taylor Swift began dominating headlines in late 2023, Nicole has found herself the subject of constant social media scrutiny – often from users who don’t even follow her.

She made it clear that what bothers her most isn’t the breakup – it’s the behavior of total strangers online. “I think people need to start doing psych evaluations before you can create a new Instagram account with a fake profile and a weird picture,” she said. The comment, equal parts blunt and biting, quickly gained traction on social platforms and was picked up by People and Entertainment Tonight.

“Reddit’s not real life – So why do they keep tagging me?”

Nicole says she hears about Reddit threads bashing her at least once a week – even though she refuses to read them. “Why are you over there on Reddit, anyway?” she said, laughing. “I don’t even look. I can’t.”

And honestly, who can blame her?

Appearing earlier this year on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Nicole shared how overwhelming it’s been to deal with the fallout of a public breakup – especially with Kelce now dating one of the world’s biggest pop stars. “I’ve never experienced anything like it,”she said. “I’ve been reduced to a headline, to something so small as someone’s ex-girlfriend.”

Despite the hate, Nicole has stayed respectful – even praising Swift as “very talented” and saying she has no ill will toward the singer.

Neither Kelce nor Swift has addressed the backlash, but Nicole’s message to the internet is loud and clear: she’s moving on – with or without the trolls.