Charles Barkley Says Football Fans Criticizing Taylor Swift Are Either "A Loser or a Jackass"
Shots have been fired!


Charles Barkley has taken football fans hating on Taylor Swift down a notch.
The former NBA pro and current TV analyst didn't hold back his thoughts on the matter, telling Gayle King and Bob Costas on the King Charles show, "If you’re screaming at Taylor Swift saying she ruined [football], you’re just a loser. You’re just a loser or a jackass. You’re either A or B. You’re one of the two."
Costas agreed, adding, "All of a sudden, because they don't like something about Taylor Swift—either they don’t like the Chiefs or they’ve inferred that Taylor Swift might not be a Trumper—then they’re annoyed by Taylor Swift. I can guarantee you that all this news on Fox News would not be happening if she was wearing a MAGA hat. They would love it."
Swift revealed in 2018 that she was planning to vote Democrat in the midterm elections, causing a voter registration surge and angering Republicans simultaneously.
"If you’re screaming at Taylor Swift saying she ruined [football], you’re just a loser. You’re just a loser or a jackass." - Charles Barkley pic.twitter.com/fhah8fjCjzFebruary 1, 2024
As demonstrated by Jo Koy's ill-received joke about the NFL coverage of Swift at the Golden Globes, football fans have been blaming the singer for how often she's shown on their TV screens during games.
As most reasonable people have pointed out, though, not only is Swift not responsible for how often she's shown on camera, but all she's doing is existing and showing up to support her boyfriend. Criticizing that is—at the very least—quite weird.
Kelce himself addressed the backlash in a recent interview, saying, "I'm having fun with it, the majority of the world is having fun with it outside of all the cranky NFL fans." Wholesome king.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Taylor Swift regularly receives hateful comments for cheering on her football-playing boyfriend Travis Kelce.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
How 32 Celebrity Couples Got Engaged
Including a Chipotle proposal. Which also featured a flash mob.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence Proves the Boat Shoe Trend Isn't Nautical After All
Her styling is so much more nuanced.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Bella Hadid Trades Her Chaps for a Khaki Trench Coat
This is the least "Bella" she's ever looked.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Were Joined by a "Surprise Guest" on Their Private Montana Vacation
An unexpected visitor reportedly crashed the couple's romantic skiing trip.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Felt Embarrassed at One of Taylor Swift’s Parties
"It was kind of cute, but I was mortified."
By Lia Beck Published
-
Donna Kelce Praises Taylor Swift for Her iHeartRadio Awards in the Sweetest Instagram Post
Just sharing a little update about her son's totally normal, non-famous girlfriend.
By Lia Beck Published
-
New Details About When Taylor & Travis Started Dating Emerge From...Wes from 'The Challenge'??
Reality competition legend AND nosy neighbor.
By Lia Beck Published
-
Taylor Swift's Ex Just Teased His Interest in Playing the Next James Bond at 2025 Oscars
With speculation swirling about who could take over the iconic role, Joe Alywn told a red carpet reporter how he felt about playing the character.
By Lia Beck Published
-
Travis Kelce Just Shared a Life-Changing Decision That Impacts His Relationship With Taylor Swift
"I've got a real bad taste in my mouth."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Just Pulled Off a Secret Date Night Following "Romantic" International Getaway
Grab your passport and her hand.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Here's What Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Really Thinks About Taylor Swift
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?
By Lia Beck Published