Ex-NFL wide receiver, Antonio Brown, is back in the limelight following a distasteful social media outburst directed at Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce, and pop icon, Taylor Swift.
Brown, celebrated for his exceptional on-field abilities but marred by a series of off-field controversies, took to “X” after the Chiefs’ recent match versus the Los Angeles Chargers on September 29. His comments have been widely criticized as offensive, triggering a significant backlash from Kelce and Swift fans alike.
The remarks made by Brown targeted Kelce’s association with Swift, employing both misogynistic and racially insensitive language. In his tweet, Brown alleged, “Travis Kelce needs some black (expletive). That bro washed,” implying Kelce’s personal life had an impact on his professional athletic performance.
Swift’s dedicated fanbase, known as “Swifties,” responded with substantial outrage to the comment.
This is not the first instance of Brown targeting Swift on social media. Earlier this year, Brown shared an AI-created image of him kissing Swift, further showcasing his peculiar fixation with the singer. His latest attack, however, seems to have crossed a line for many, as fans quickly denounced the post for objectifying women. One fan commented, “You could’ve simply said he needs a black woman.” Swifties took to social media to voice their disapproval, with one fan tweeting, “ppl need to stop being so hateful,” a sentiment mirrored by many others who found Brown’s comments deeply inappropriate.
Brown’s post also reignited worries regarding his conduct since leaving the NFL. Despite his impressive career, Brown’s legacy has been marred by numerous legal troubles, allegations of abusive behavior, and unpredictable public appearances.
Brown, however, did not express remorse for his comments. Instead, he seemed to welcome the resulting controversy, tagging a news article about the situation with the caption, “N— of the Day #CTESPN.” This provocative comment only added fuel to the backlash, as fans and critics alike condemned his persistent offensive conduct.
Kelce has yet to publicly respond to Brown’s comments. The Chiefs’ tight end, who recently set a team record for most career receptions, has received praise from his teammates and coaches for his performance, even amidst a slightly slower start to the season. In the Chiefs’ victory over the Chargers, Kelce made seven receptions for 89 yards, indicating an improvement in his game statistics.
As for Taylor Swift, she has remained quiet on the matter. Reports suggest Swift’s absence at games may be due to her busy schedule prepping for the next leg of her Eras Tour and increased security concerns following a thwarted terror attack in Vienna, Austria earlier this year.
Brown’s life post-NFL continues to be fraught with challenges. Despite amassing 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 multiple legal disputes, including accusations of domestic violence and failure to pay child support.