2024 VMAs: Fans React as Taylor Swift's Boyfriend Skips Event for One Reason

Even though Travis Kelce did not attend this year's VMAs, which caused quite the buzz online, his beloved girlfriend gave him a shoutout during her award acceptance speech.

Popstar sensation Taylor Swift's beau was MIA at this year's VMAs for a specific reason that a media outlet revealed before the music event. Despite confirming the reason for his absence at the awards show where Swift shared some words about him, some netizens think there is more to the story.

According to an article published by Page Six, Travis Kelce could not attend the VMAs at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, because of work. The music event, which was set to be a very big night for Swift, took place on Wednesday evening, September 11.

Speaking exclusively to Page Six about the Kansas City tight end's inability to attend, an insider disclosed, "[Travis] had to be back in Kansas City by Tuesday for practice."

The insider was referring to the upcoming game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals on September 15. The football teams are set to face off against each other in the Week 2 game at 4:25 p.m. ET.

This comes after the Kansas City Chiefs won the Week 1 match against the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 27-20.

Seemingly unconvinced by what Page Six had to say, some netizens took to online platforms to assert what they think the real reasons are for Kelce having skipped the VMAs.

One commenter opined, "I think he's not at Taylor's award [show] because he's not interested in her! He's more interested in his career." Bringing some humor into the mix, another sarcastically remarked, "He obviously doesn't have time to have a matching dress made."

Others seem to think that Kelce's absence may have implied that he and Swift, who was this year's most nominated artist, are on the verge of calling it quits. "Now. The breakup we all heard was coming," penned an observer while another said, "Great loss beginning of the end…"

Despite what some may think about where the Hollywood couple's relationship is headed, neither Swift nor Kelce have spoken about a potential impending split.

In fact, far from alluding to a breakup being on the rise, the "I Knew You Were Trouble" singer gave her boyfriend a special shoutout during her acceptance speech at the VMAs.

After accepting the award for Video of the Year, which she won for her and Post Malone's song "Fortnight," Swift spoke about how Travis Kelce cheered her on during the music video filming process.

"Something that I'll always remember is that when I would finish a take and I'd say cut [...] I would always just hear like someone like cheering and like, 'Woo,' like from across the studio, uhm, where we were shooting it, and that one person was my boyfriend Travis," recalled the star.

Upon mentioning his name and calling him her boyfriend, the crowd went wild. "Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic. So I wanna thank him for adding that to our shoot because I'll always remember that," added Swift.

The reaction Swift's acceptance speech garnered online was very different from the excited cheers she received from the VMA audience. Some netizens seem to think that the moment had an undercover agenda.

"She had to mention [Kelce], it's part of the 'arrangement,'" stated a social media user on Instagram. Similarly, another echoed, "'[I'll] always remember that.' The contract between them is about to end. 💀."

"He is loving the fame.. 😂," noted another spectator while someone else exclaimed, "Not a fan of hers anymore! Actually never was!"

In addition to Video of the Year, Swift received 11 other nominations. These nominations included Song of the Year, Song of the Summer, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, and Best Collaboration alongside Post Malone for "Fortnight."

Taylor Swift was also up for Best Pop, Artist of the Year, and VMAs Most Iconic Performance for her hit classic "You Belong With Me."