Kayla Nicole’s Super Bowl Ad: A New Era of Ex-lebrity Commentary?
Kayla Nicole, former girlfriend of Travis Kelce, turned heads during Super Bowl 2026 with a cameo in a Sleeper ad that subtly shaded both Kelce and his fiancée, Taylor Swift. The ad, featuring Tiffany Haddish and Ben Simmons, highlights a growing trend: ex-partners leveraging their connections to fame for brand partnerships and, in this case, pointed commentary.
The Ad’s Punchline and the Rise of ‘Ex-lebrities’
The Sleeper ad centers around an “Ex Communicator” service, playfully offering to help people move on from past relationships. Nicole’s line – “Don’t get me started on these two – they’ve got no idea what they’re doing” – clearly references Kelce and Swift, with Simmons adding a pointed “I said swiftly, why is that so hard to remember?” This isn’t Nicole’s first foray into addressing the relationship post-breakup; her Halloween costume as Toni Braxton, referencing Braxton’s song about a man who wasn’t “man enough,” too signaled her perspective.
This incident underscores the emergence of what could be termed “ex-lebrities” – individuals who gain notoriety primarily through their association with famous partners. While breakups have always been fodder for public discussion, the strategic leverage of these moments for brand visibility is a relatively new phenomenon.
Beyond Kelce and Swift: Offset’s Role and the Public Airing of Splits
The Sleeper ad wasn’t solely focused on Kelce and Swift. Offset, whose public split from Cardi B has been ongoing since 2024, also appeared, ironically quipping, “I don’t even know what I’m doing here, I’m great at relationships.” This inclusion suggests a broader trend of celebrities using public platforms to address – and potentially profit from – personal drama. The ad taps into the public’s fascination with celebrity relationships and their unraveling.
The Business of Breakups: Monetizing Personal Narratives
The Sleeper ad represents a calculated risk for the brand, leveraging the existing narrative surrounding these high-profile relationships to generate buzz. It’s a prime example of how brands are increasingly willing to incorporate potentially controversial content into their marketing strategies, recognizing that attention – even negative attention – can drive engagement. This strategy isn’t limited to Super Bowl ads; social media platforms are rife with examples of individuals monetizing their breakup stories through sponsorships, brand deals, and content creation.
The Impact on Public Perception and Brand Safety
While this approach can be effective, it also carries risks. Brands must carefully consider the potential for backlash and the impact on their reputation. Kayla Nicole, for example, has faced criticism for her comments, as reported by TMZ. The line between playful commentary and negativity can be thin, and brands need to ensure they’re not perceived as exploiting personal drama for profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Kayla Nicole trying to reignite a feud with Travis Kelce?
A: While the ad is clearly a pointed commentary on her past relationship with Kelce and his current relationship with Swift, it’s hard to say if she’s actively trying to reignite a feud. It appears to be more of a strategic move to leverage her visibility.
Q: What is Sleeper?
A: Sleeper is a fantasy league site that was advertised during the Super Bowl. The ad used the premise of helping people “ex-communicate” from former partners to promote the service.
Q: Is this a new trend in advertising?
A: The use of celebrity personal drama in advertising is becoming increasingly common, as brands seek to capture attention and generate buzz. However, it’s a strategy that carries inherent risks.
Did you know? Tiffany Haddish and Ben Simmons were also featured in the ad, promoting the fictional “Ex Communicator” service.
Pro Tip: Brands considering similar marketing strategies should carefully assess the potential for backlash and ensure their messaging aligns with their values.
What are your thoughts on celebrities using their personal lives for brand partnerships? Share your opinion in the comments below!
