Why Taylor Swift's 'Fortnight' Video Co-Star Called Travis Kelce a 'Jerk': A Tale of Sports, Fame, and Friendship
By Kevin Zelman
Published: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Updated: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
The world of pop music and professional sports can sometimes intersect in unexpected ways. This is the story of one such intersection, involving Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and a bit of friendly rivalry.
Taylor Swift's music video for 'Fortnight' featured a star-studded cast, including actor Josh Charles, who plays a scientist experimenting on the pop star. During an appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', Charles addressed rumors of a heated exchange with Kelce on set.
The rumors stem from a comment made by Ethan Hawke, Charles' 'Dead Poets Society' co-star, who hinted at a disagreement between the two during a September 2025 interview. However, Charles clarified that it was not a fight, but rather a disagreement about Kelce's performance in the NFL.
Charles explained that he took issue with Kelce's team, the Kansas City Chiefs, winning against his hometown team, the Baltimore Ravens, in the 2023 AFC Championship game. He expressed his disappointment with Kelce's behavior during that victory, calling him a 'jerk'.
On set, Charles confronted Kelce, saying, 'You know I always liked you, but this year you were kind of a d***.' Kelce laughed it off and admitted that the Chiefs were indeed 'most worried about that game'. He revealed that he had to bring some swagger to the field, which included getting one of the Ravens' veterans to commit a personal foul, thus getting into the heads of the opposing team and ultimately winning the game.
Despite the initial disagreement, Charles praised Kelce's sportsmanship and personality. He described Kelce as 'great', 'fun', and 'one of the most fun human beings'. Charles even admitted that he couldn't root against Kelce, making it impossible for him to watch the Chiefs' games without cheering for them.
This story highlights the complex relationship between fame and sports, where personal connections can be formed despite differences in profession. It also showcases the lighthearted and friendly nature of the interaction between these public figures, even when tensions arise.
