Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole penned a heartfelt letter addressing the backlash she received after the 34-year-old’s budding romance with Taylor Swift.
On Monday, the 31-year-old model shared a video to her Instagram account, reflecting on the “backlash and embarrassment” she encountered from online critics as she read the written message, Page Six reported.
Nicole’s letter was addressed to “Black women specifically,” clarifying the goal was “not to create division but to elevate and unite” her audience.
“They may call you a traitor for falling in love,” Nicole began in the nearly four-minute clip. “You’ll hope the ones closest will protect you but quickly realize people don’t protect what they don’t value.”
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She continued: “They’ll say you’re too much … and in the same breath, tell you you’re not enough. Not successful enough, not wholesome enough, maybe not even intelligent enough.… They’ll even try to tie your value to your net worth.”
According to reports, the former couple had an on-and-off relationship from 2017-2022. However, Nicole encouraged her followers not to “participate in this tumultuous, often one-sided journey” and not “engage.”
“Preserve your heart even when they try to quantify your character and test your boundaries. … You do not have to respond. Because there is power in your silence,” Nicole added.
The model also revealed she’d been tempted to ask, “Why me?” but she refused to “give into this demoralizing and antiquated narrative” by having to defend herself on social media.
“I know I’m not alone,” she said. “On days I feel most inadequate, I have to remind myself that I am, have been and will always be more than enough.”
Nicole concluded her message by encouraging viewers who may be struggling.
“When the world gets dark and time gets hard and you feel like your back is against the wall and your hands are tied and nobody knows what it’s like to be you … this is only a small chapter in your story.”
The 31-year-old’s followers were moved by her powerful message and shared their thoughts in the comment section.
“You will know you are healed by the way you tell your story.🙌🏽👑💎,” one user said.
“You are just so incredibly REMARKABLE!!!! This was beautifully said!!!” another wrote.
“You make us proud black girl,” a third user said.
Nicole quickly made headlines after Kelce and Swift went public with their relationship following the Chiefs versus Chicago Bears game on Sept. 24. The couple were spotted holding hands as they left the arena together.
