Kayla Nicole may have only had a brief cameo during the Super Bowl, but it was enough to send social media into overdrive. The model and media personality appeared in a commercial for the dating app Sleeper, and viewers quickly zeroed in on what many interpreted as a not-so-subtle jab at her ex, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, and his headline-making romance with Taylor Swift.
The ad, which also featured Ben Simmons and Tiffany Haddish, centered around the concept of helping users “ex-communicate” former partners. But it was Nicole’s line delivery that sparked chatter. Referring to “these two,” she quipped, “They’ve got no idea what they’re doing. At all.” The playful tone was unmistakable, but fans were quick to connect the dots. When Simmons jokingly insisted he’d help her move on “swiftly,” the word choice alone was enough to fuel speculation that the script was leaning into Swift-related wordplay.
Kelce and Swift have become one of the NFL’s most talked-about couples, dominating headlines throughout the season. Nicole, who dated Kelce for five years before their split, has largely stayed out of the spotlight regarding their relationship. That’s why her appearance in the commercial drew such intense reactions. Within hours, Sleeper’s social media post featuring the ad was flooded with criticism from viewers who accused Nicole of stirring the pot or chasing attention.
The backlash was fierce, with some users labeling the ad “embarrassing” and questioning the brand’s decision to feature her. Others defended the spot as harmless satire, arguing that celebrity breakups and pop culture references are fair game during the Super Bowl, where edgy humor is often part of the formula. The divided reaction only amplified the moment, turning a short commercial into a trending topic.
Nicole has previously opened up about the emotional toll of public scrutiny. In a 2024 podcast interview, she admitted that online hate and constant comparisons have affected her more than she lets on. Being linked to one of the world’s biggest pop stars has made her own identity a frequent subject of debate, something she’s acknowledged isn’t easy to navigate.
Whether the ad was a calculated swipe or just clever marketing, one thing is certain: it worked. The cameo reignited conversations about Kelce and Swift while putting Nicole squarely back in the spotlight. In the high-stakes arena of Super Bowl advertising, even a few seconds of screen time can spark a cultural moment—and this one delivered exactly that.
