Kayla Nicole Discusses Facing Online Criticism and Taking Control of Her Narrative
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kayla-nicole-tout-2-10243-d26560b477a7473cbcd007c85b47f6d0.jpg)
Kayla Nicole has recently spoken out about her experiences dealing with online hate and how she has managed to take control of her own narrative in the past year. The podcaster opened up about her journey during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the House of Champion during New York Fashion Week on September 11.
Kayla Nicole, who is known for her podcasting work, made her first public appearance since her ex-boyfriend, Travis Kelce, announced his engagement to Taylor Swift. Kelce, an NFL star and Nicole’s former partner, started dating in 2017 and had an on-again, off-again relationship for five years before going their separate ways.
In September 2023, Kelce and Swift went public with their relationship, and two years later, they announced their engagement on August 26, 2025, through an Instagram post. Nicole shared her thoughts on dealing with criticism, stating that she has learned that “the opinions of others are only as significant as you allow them to be.”
During her interview with PEOPLE, Nicole emphasised the importance of not letting social media opinions dictate one’s self-worth. She highlighted the power of taking control of the narrative and advised others to disconnect from negative influences when needed, such as logging off or deleting apps that bring unnecessary negativity.
In response to Kelce and Swift’s engagement announcement, Nicole shared a video on her Instagram Stories featuring actress Tracee Ellis Ross discussing the concept of choosing joy over fleeting happiness. Nicole resonated with Ross’s message, expressing her belief that joy is a deeper and more lasting emotion that requires conscious effort to cultivate in one’s life.
Since her split with Kelce in 2022, Nicole has been focused on moving forward with her life. This decision included unfollowing acquaintances such as Brittany and Patrick Mahomes on Instagram, a move she clarified was made after personal communication with them about her choice.
Nicole’s reflections on joy, happiness, and personal growth shed light on her evolving perspective on relationships and self-worth. Through her podcast, The Pre-Game, she often delves into topics around dating and personal experiences, offering a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and empowerment in the face of public scrutiny.
As Nicole continues to navigate her path in the public eye, she remains committed to sharing her authentic self and empowering others to embrace their narratives. Her story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength needed to overcome online hate and stand firm in one’s truth amidst external pressures.