Fact Check: Was Taylor Swift's Emmys absence planned because of the Chiefs game?

WASHINGTON, DC: Taylor Swift's absence from the 2026 Emmy Awards has sparked speculation among fans, especially after she was seen at the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener with her husband, Travis Kelce. 

Swift had several Emmy nominations this year, making her absence from the ceremony a talking point online.

As Swift chose to attend the Chiefs' game, some social media users began questioning whether she had planned to skip the Emmys specifically to support Kelce. But was her absence actually planned around the game?

Claim: Taylor Swift’s 2026 Emmys absence was planned for Travis Kelce’s Chiefs' games

This year, Swift received five nominations for 'The Eras Tour: The Final Show,' including recognition as a performer and producer.

'The Creative Arts Emmys,' held before the main ceremony, had already announced the results for her categories.

Fans who expected to see Swift at the 2026 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles were surprised by her absence. 

Instead, on September 14, she attended the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener at Arrowhead Stadium and supported her husband, Travis Kelce, alongside actor Tom Cruise. Swift wore a red-and-white checkered outfit, matching the Chiefs' team colors.

Her absence from the Emmys quickly became a topic of discussion online, with one user writing, "Taylor Swift skipping the Emmys to watch Travis Kelce play is objectively hilarious." Another said, "Taylor Swift skips the Emmys as she is joined by Tom Cruise to cheer on new husband Travis Kelce."

Some claims went further, suggesting that Swift’s absence was planned so she could attend her husband Travis Kelce’s Chiefs game.

Fact Check: The claim is misleading

The claim is misleading. Taylor Swift skipped the 2026 Emmy ceremony and attended the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener to support her husband, Travis Kelce. However, there is no confirmed evidence that she planned to miss the Emmys specifically because of the game. 

The Chiefs game also marked Kelce's first game since he and Swift got married in July.

Although Swift did not attend the Emmys in person, she still appeared in a pre-recorded sketch during the ceremony.

Swift has also made several red-carpet appearances this year. On June 11, she attended the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York wearing a Givenchy gown designed by Sarah Burton. 

The dress featured a corset-style bodice, a high slit and a long train. Embroidered floral details covered much of the gown.

She completed the look with a custom black clutch, heeled sandals, and jewelry, including Mindi Mond earrings, a Jessica McCormack tennis bracelet, and her custom Artifex Fine engagement ring.