When Taylor Swift announced her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce on August 26, 2025, the news sent shockwaves through the worlds of music and sports. Fans of the pop superstar and Kansas City Chiefs tight end celebrated the milestone, eagerly speculating about the details of what promises to be the celebrity wedding of the decade. However, one question has sparked heated debate and divided Swift’s loyal fanbase: Could Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, be one of Swift’s bridesmaids? The possibility, fueled by their close friendship, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with many Swifties expressing outrage online. The reasons behind this backlash are complex, rooted in politics, personal history, and the expectations fans place on their idol.
A Whirlwind Romance and a Star-Studded Wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story has captivated the public since it began in the summer of 2023. What started with Kelce’s attempt to give Swift a friendship bracelet with his phone number at her Eras Tour concert blossomed into a high-profile romance, complete with Swift cheering at Chiefs games and Kelce jetting to her tour stops worldwide. Their engagement, announced with a joint Instagram post featuring a romantic backyard proposal in Kansas City, was met with widespread excitement. Swift’s playful caption, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” reflected the couple’s ability to blend their worlds with humor and charm.
As wedding planning speculation began, attention turned to Swift’s potential bridal party. With a circle of A-list friends like Selena Gomez, Lana Del Rey, and Gigi Hadid, fans anticipated a glamorous lineup. Swift’s childhood best friend, Abigail Anderson, is considered a likely maid of honor, given their decades-long bond and Swift’s role in Anderson’s 2022 wedding. Other contenders include pop star Sabrina Carpenter, who collaborated with Swift on her upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl, and Kylie Kelce, wife of Travis’s brother Jason. Yet, it’s the possibility of Brittany Mahomes joining the bridal party that has sparked the most intense reactions, with fans taking to social media to voice their dismay.
The Swift-Mahomes Friendship: A Bond Forged in the Chiefs Kingdom
Swift and Brittany Mahomes became close after Swift began dating Kelce, bonding over their shared role as Chiefs WAGs (wives and girlfriends). Their friendship has been highly visible, from cheering together in stadium suites to celebrating at after-parties. On August 29, 2025, Swift joined Mahomes for her 30th birthday celebration in Nashville, a lavish event featuring private jet travel, custom cowboy hats, and martini-fueled dinners. Photos from the event, including one where Swift playfully placed a martini glass on Mahomes’ head, highlighted their camaraderie. Mahomes’ heartfelt Instagram post congratulating Swift and Kelce on their engagement, calling them “two of the most genuine people,” further underscored their bond.
This friendship has been a source of joy for both women, offering Swift a connection to the NFL world and Mahomes a high-profile ally in the entertainment sphere. Patrick Mahomes, a close friend of Kelce, has also expressed admiration for Swift, noting that she and Kelce called Brittany after recording a New Heights podcast episode to announce Swift’s new album. The foursome—Swift, Kelce, Brittany, and Patrick—have become a tight-knit group, often spotted together at games and events. Given this closeness, it’s unsurprising that Brittany is considered a potential bridesmaid, especially as a representative of Swift’s new life with Kelce.
Why the Backlash? Political Divides and Public Perception
Despite their friendship, the idea of Brittany Mahomes as a bridesmaid has provoked significant backlash from Swift’s fans, particularly on platforms like X. Posts such as “Brittany Mahomes gonna be in the bridal party” accompanied by exasperated GIFs and comments like “I better not see Brittany Mahomes’ horse teeth anywhere near that bridesmaid line” reflect the intensity of the opposition. The root of this anger lies primarily in Brittany’s political affiliations, which clash with the values of many Swifties.
In August 2024, Brittany faced criticism after liking an Instagram post by former President Donald Trump outlining his policy plans for a second term, including controversial measures like cutting federal school funding and sealing the U.S. border. The move drew ire from Swift’s predominantly liberal fanbase, who have long viewed Swift as an advocate for progressive causes. Swift endorsed Kamala Harris for president in September 2024 and has been vocal about issues like women’s rights and racial equality, famously criticizing Trump in 2020 for “stoking the fires of white supremacy.” For fans, Brittany’s apparent support for Trump felt like a betrayal of Swift’s values, and their continued friendship—evidenced by their appearance together at the U.S. Open in 2024—raised questions about Swift’s own stance.
The backlash was amplified when Trump thanked Brittany on Truth Social, calling her “beautiful” and praising her for “defending” him. Swift’s decision to socialize with Brittany after this incident, including their Nashville outing, was seen by some fans as a tacit endorsement of her views. Comments on X, such as “Taylor calling Brittany after the New Heights podcast? She’s not just hanging with her boyfriend’s friend’s wife, they’re besties,” expressed frustration that Swift wasn’t distancing herself from Mahomes. Some fans even speculated that Swift’s public association with Brittany could signal a shift in her own politics, a notion that has sparked heated debate.
Brittany Mahomes’ Controversial Past
Beyond politics, Brittany’s history of polarizing behavior has fueled fans’ discontent. Known for her outspoken presence on social media, Brittany has clashed with NFL fans over the years. In 2021, she was criticized for spraying champagne on fans from a suite after a Chiefs victory, a move many found disrespectful. She has also defended her brother-in-law, Jackson Mahomes, against allegations of sexual assault, further alienating some fans. Her reputation as a divisive figure within the NFL community, coupled with her political actions, has made her an unpopular choice among Swifties who idealize Swift’s carefully curated image.
For some fans, Swift’s friendship with Brittany feels like a departure from her “girl squad” era, when she surrounded herself with universally admired figures like Gomez and Hadid. The contrast between Brittany and Swift’s other friends, who are seen as aligning more closely with her progressive image, has heightened the backlash. Fans have also pointed to Swift’s rumored falling out with former close friends like Blake Lively, whose legal battle with Justin Baldoni reportedly strained their relationship, as evidence that Swift is selective about her inner circle. The inclusion of Brittany, despite her controversies, has left many feeling betrayed.
Swift’s Bridesmaid Dilemma: A Balancing Act
The speculation about Swift’s bridal party was further complicated by a satirical report from The Onion on August 29, 2025, claiming Swift told Brittany she wasn’t having bridesmaids to keep the wedding “small and intimate.” While the article was clearly fictional, it struck a nerve, with some fans on Reddit’s r/travisandtaylor community joking that Swift might exclude Brittany to avoid tarnishing her image. Others argued that Swift’s decision to maintain their friendship, despite public criticism, suggests Brittany could still play a role, whether as a bridesmaid or a prominent guest.
Swift’s approach to her wedding is reportedly low-key, with sources indicating she and Kelce are taking their time planning to focus on enjoying their engagement. This has led to speculation that she might forgo a traditional bridal party altogether, a choice that could sidestep the controversy surrounding Brittany. However, her visible support for Brittany—seen in their shared moments at games and celebrations—suggests Swift values their friendship, regardless of public opinion. This loyalty has frustrated fans who view Swift as a cultural tastemaker whose choices carry weight.
The Bigger Picture: Fandom and Expectations
The controversy over Brittany Mahomes as a potential bridesmaid reflects the intense scrutiny Swift faces as a global icon. Her fans, trained to analyze her every move for hidden meaning, interpret her friendships as extensions of her values. The backlash against Brittany is less about her personally and more about what she represents to Swifties: a perceived misalignment with Swift’s public persona. For many, Swift’s association with Brittany feels like a contradiction, especially given her history of advocating for progressive causes.
At the same time, Swift’s decision to stand by Brittany highlights her commitment to personal relationships over public perception. Their friendship, forged through shared experiences in the Chiefs community, may transcend the political divides that dominate public discourse. As Swift navigates her wedding planning, the controversy serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the spotlight, where every choice is dissected and debated.
Looking Forward
As Swift and Kelce prepare for their wedding, the question of Brittany Mahomes’ role remains unanswered. Whether she stands by Swift’s side as a bridesmaid or attends as a cherished friend, their bond is unlikely to waver. For fans, the controversy underscores the complexities of idolizing a celebrity whose personal choices may not always align with their expectations. In the end, Swift’s wedding will be a celebration of her love with Kelce, but it will also test the boundaries of her relationship with her fans, who continue to watch her every move with unwavering devotion and critical eyes.
