Taylor Swift skips Travis Kelce's Sunday night game amid security worries

Taylor Swift did not attend Travis Kelce’s Sunday night game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, where the Kansas City Chiefs were trying to snap a two-game skid. The absence came amid mounting talk of safety concerns surrounding the global superstar at major public events. Kelce arrived at the venue in a purple suit, appearing focused on the matchup, while Swift was not seen in the stands.

Swift’s presence at the Chiefs’ previous game against the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend had drawn attention, as she was escorted inside Arrowhead Stadium behind what observers described as a bullet-resistant screen. Insiders cited by the Daily Mail said security was heightened in the lead-up to and during the game, a shift they attributed to broader tensions following last week’s event in Utah. They noted that the protective screen had been used before, but emphasized its application in Swift’s case as a precautionary measure rather than a routine safeguard for celebrities.

The security posture surrounding Swift has been a topic of conversation for months, with insiders describing a climate of heightened vigilance after threats and stalking incidents linked to her public profile. The Daily Mail report highlights Swift’s political profile as well, noting her liberal affiliations and past endorsements of Democratic candidates in both the 2020 and 2024 elections. In the lead-up to last week’s game, an emphasis on safety was said to reflect concerns from Swift’s team about potential harassment rather than any specific threat that could be tied directly to the Kelvin/Chiefs public schedule.

The broader context includes discussion around how public figures are protected at large public events. The article notes that events in recent days have echoed a broader push for increased security around high-profile appearances, including instances where venues implemented visible protective measures such as glass barriers and, in some cases, snipers positioned to monitor crowds. The focus on Swift’s safety has intertwined with other developments surrounding fans, pundits, and political figures following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at an event in Utah last week. Kirk’s death has been cited by insiders as a catalyst for heightened security considerations at sports and entertainment venues where prominent figures are present.

Kirk, 31, was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University, a development that has reverberated through security planning for public events across the country. The timing of the incident has fueled discussions among security professionals and within Swift’s circle about risk assessment and contingency planning for public appearances. The Daily Mail’s reporting frames the incident as part of a sequence of events that have led to greater caution, including the use of protective measures at large gatherings where Swift or other celebrities are in attendance.

Swift’s public trajectory in recent years has included high-profile performances and appearances that have drawn intense media scrutiny and fan attention. The singer’s teams have repeatedly emphasized the importance of safety, particularly given past episodes of stalking and unwanted attention. In this broader narrative, Swift has faced multiple security challenges, including past stalker-related incidents and restraining orders against individuals who sought to contact her. Those protective measures, along with a string of security advisories from venues and event organizers, have contributed to a more conservative approach to scheduling and travel for Swift and her inner circle.

As the Chiefs returned to the field after losses in their first two games, the weekend's events underscored how security considerations are increasingly a part of planning for celebrity participation in sports and entertainment. The Chiefs’ season ahead remains pivotal, and questions about Swift’s future appearances and the security framework that accompanies them are likely to linger as teams and venues balance fan experience with public safety concerns. Officials connected to the teams have not publicly detailed any changes to Swift’s schedule beyond what has been reported by media sources, but the visible precautions at Arrowhead and the shared emphasis on safety suggest a cautious approach moving forward.

For fans and organizers, the episode serves as a reminder that the intersection of sports, entertainment, and politics can intensify security discussions in real time. The evolving landscape of threats, online harassment, and the unpredictable nature of public attention will continue to shape how high-profile events are staffed and protected. While Swift’s schedule remains private and closely managed, the dialogue around protecting public figures at large events is likely to persist as organizers seek to balance access with safety in a high-profile era.