Bill Maher Invites Travis Kelce to Real Time After Taylor Swift Joke Sparks NFL Star’s Ire

March 14, 2025 – What started as a quip on Real Time with Bill Maher has spiraled into a public feud, with comedian Bill Maher now extending an olive branch—or perhaps a gauntlet—to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.

The controversy erupted after Maher, known for his sharp tongue, cracked a joke about pop icon Taylor Swift’s dating history during last Friday’s episode, prompting a fiery response from Kelce, her rumored beau. Now, Maher is inviting the NFL tight end to his HBO stage to hash it out live.

The trouble began when Maher, riffing on celebrity culture during his opening monologue, took a swipe at Swift’s well-documented romantic past. “Taylor Swift’s got a new boyfriend in Travis Kelce,” Maher said, smirking.

“I guess she’s finally traded in her usual type—guys who write breakup songs—for a guy who might actually break something, like a linebacker’s spine.” The studio audience chuckled, but the jab didn’t land so lightly with Kelce.

By Sunday, Kelce had taken to social media to clap back. In a now-viral post on X, the Chiefs star wrote, “Taylor’s past isn’t a punchline. Maybe stick to politics, Bill—your comedy game’s getting sacked.”

The response ignited Swifties and football fans alike, with #TeamKelce trending as supporters rallied behind the athlete’s defense of the “Anti-Hero” singer.

Rather than back down, Maher leaned into the fray. On Tuesday, he addressed the dust-up on X, saying, “Travis Kelce says I crossed a line. Fair enough—let’s talk it out. I’m inviting him to Real Time this Friday.

Come on the show and prove me wrong, big guy.” The comedian doubled down during a promotional spot for the upcoming episode, adding with a grin, “I’ve got no beef with Kelce. But if he’s man enough to take on defensive ends, he can handle a little debate with me.”

The invitation has set the internet ablaze, with speculation swirling about whether Kelce will accept. Sources close to the NFL star say he’s “considering it” but hasn’t committed.

“Travis isn’t one to shy away from a challenge,” an insider told Entertainment Weekly. “He’s protective of Taylor, and he didn’t like Maher’s cheap shot. If he goes on, it won’t be to play nice.”

Swift, for her part, has stayed silent on the matter, though her fans have flooded Maher’s social media with lyrics from her breakup anthems—a poetic jab of their own.

The singer and Kelce have been linked since late 2023, with their high-profile romance captivating tabloids and sports pages alike. Maher’s comment, while tame by his standards, seems to have struck a nerve with Kelce, who’s made no secret of his admiration for Swift’s resilience.

HBO has yet to confirm Kelce as a guest, but the network is reportedly thrilled at the prospect. “Bill thrives on these kinds of showdowns,” a producer told Variety. “If Travis shows up, it’ll be must-watch TV—think Super Bowl meets culture war.”

Maher, never one to shy from controversy, has a history of sparring with guests on Real Time. From politicians to pundits, he’s built a career on unfiltered debate. But taking on a 6’5”, 250-pound NFL star could be a different beast.

“I’m not afraid of Travis Kelce,” Maher quipped in a follow-up post. “Worst case, he tackles me. Best case, we get real about why everyone’s so damn sensitive these days.”

As Friday approaches, all eyes are on Kelce. Will he step into Maher’s arena to defend Swift’s honor, or let the comedian’s invite fumble? One thing’s certain: this is one Real Time episode no one wants to miss.