Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has officially left Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter), citing the relentless wave of hate and personal attacks directed at his girlfriend, global pop icon Taylor Swift. In a bold statement released earlier today, Kelce didn’t hold back, calling the platform a “digital sewer of hate” and blasting what he described as a “toxic, unchecked environment.”
The decision comes after weeks of online vitriol targeting Swift, much of it in response to her high-profile presence at NFL games and her ongoing relationship with Kelce. Critics have accused her of “stealing the spotlight” and “distracting” from the sport — comments Kelce has publicly pushed back on before. But this time, it seems the backlash crossed a line.
“I’ve seen a lot of hate in my time, but what’s happening on that platform is next-level ugly,” Kelce said in a post shared via Instagram Stories. “The way people talk about someone they don’t even know — someone who spreads nothing but joy and positivity — is disgusting. I’m done giving that app my attention.”
Kelce’s exit adds to a growing list of celebrities, influencers, and public figures abandoning X amid growing concerns about the platform’s direction under Elon Musk’s ownership. Since Musk’s takeover, the app has been accused of amplifying hate speech, misinformation, and harassment, with many users pointing to a noticeable decline in moderation and accountability.
Fans have rallied behind Kelce, praising him for standing up not only for Swift but for a more respectful and humane internet culture. “It’s refreshing to see someone with a platform take a stand,” one user commented on Kelce’s Instagram post. “Enough is enough.”
As for Taylor Swift, she has yet to comment publicly on Kelce’s move, but sources close to the singer say she’s “grateful” for his support and has herself grown increasingly disillusioned with online platforms.
Kelce’s departure raises larger questions about the responsibility of social media companies to protect users — especially public figures — from targeted abuse. Whether it sparks a broader movement remains to be seen, but for now, one thing is clear: Travis Kelce is done with X, and he’s not looking back.
