ESPN has just accidentally declared war against the Swifties.
Midway through the first quarter in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers on Saturday, the ESPN on ABC broadcast referred to Taylor Swift as “Travis Kelce’s fiancée,” which caused an uproar on social media.
As the broadcast showed Swift and Kelce sitting court side at Rocket Arena, ESPN commentators Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson refused to say the pop star’s name.
“Travis Kelce and his fiancée here at the game,” Breen said as the cameras panned over to the couple.
“As Travis and his girlfriend are in the building, that’s always great to see,” Jefferson added.
Fans on social media lambasted Breen and Jefferson for the seemingly backhanded acknowledgement of Swift, considering her superstar status and global regocnition.
“Richard Jefferson not calling Taylor Swift by her name is corny lmfao,” on user commented on X.
“Are the #KnicksGame announcers not allowed to SAY Taylor Swift’s name? Wtf was that,” commented another.
One user thought that the announcers’ refusal to say her name was intentional as they mentioned her three times.
“They’ve done it like 3x lmao definitely feels intentional. Not sure why ESPN would ever want that though,” the user said.
Swift and Kelce’s appearance comes as the two are set to get married in the coming weeks, with Page Six previously reporting the couple’s big day will be on July 3.
Kelce, an Ohio native, has been spotted at Cavaliers games before, with the team honoring him and his brother, Jason, with a bobblehead night during the 2023-24 NBA season.
The Cavaliers trailed the Knicks 60-54 at halftime during Saturday’s game, with OG Anunoby leading the Knicks with 13 points.