Being a fan is one thing, but when does fandom cross the line into something more dangerous? This question is at the heart of a recent controversy involving the fervent fan base of pop star Taylor Swift, known as “Swifties”, and the ex-girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce.
Maya Benberry, who won the 2016 dating reality show Catching Kelce, has recently been at the center of this controversy. Since Swift’s appearance at a Chiefs game, Benberry has been vocal about her previous relationship with Kelce, accusing him of infidelity during their time together and even warning Swift to “stay away.” These comments have not gone down well with Swift’s fans, leading to an alarming response from some.
According to Inside Edition, Benberry claims that she has been receiving death threats from Swifties, who think she is trying to destroy Taylor and Travis’ budding relationship by speaking out on her ex’s indescretions. “Swifties are aggressive. Very negative, very hypocritical,” Benberry said. “It’s really crazy to me that someone that I think is positive and really nice has such a negative and angry fanbase.”
Despite the hostility, Benberry insists she has no issues with Swift herself, even stating that she doesn’t care if Swift ends up dating her ex.
“I don’t know Taylor Swift, but I’m a fan of her music,” Benberry said. “I don’t feel any way about her dating Travis, it’s cute,” said noted, adding a pointed reminder: “I had him first.”
She also dismissed allegations of seeking fame or publicity through this controversy, instead expressing her disappointment with Kelce’s actions.
“It’s nothing about Taylor. It’s more about, you led me to believe that we had a future. And now, five years later, you’re laughing and I feel like you’re mocking me,” she said of Kelce.
“I’m not jealous or bitter about Taylor. She’s beautiful, she’s successful. We’re in two different lanes. My issue is more with Travis in the sense of, now you’re trying to turn me into, I don’t know — a bitter person, a liar, like I’m delusional, and I’m the furthest thing from that.”
Whatever the business between Benberry and Kelce, one thing should be wildly clear: there is no need for Swifties, or anyone for that matter, to be sending threats to an ex of their favorite artist’s current beau.
Before you go, click here to see celebrity exes who never buried the hatchet.
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