Bill Maher sparked controversy during the latest episode of Real Time With Bill Maher by making a crude comparison between Taylor Swift’s past relationships and her fiancé, NFL star Travis Kelce.
The Segment
Maher was discussing intimacy trends in America and the rise of “romantasy” novels when he referenced Swift. While describing a book plot involving a mythical half-bull character, he pivoted to Swift and Kelce, who announced their engagement in August 2025.
“Taylor Swift went from writing songs about what a d*** this guy was to her, and what a d*** this guy was to her, to what a d*** this guy has,” Maher quipped, drawing laughter and criticism. He went on to describe Swift’s exes as “skinny, gay-adjacent, meek porcelain doll, shy guy, twink-like, tortured poet metrosexuals,” contrasting them with Kelce’s “old school wood from the Heartland.”
Swift’s Lyrics and Kelce’s Response
Maher’s comments referenced Swift’s ninth track, Wood, from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl. The song is filled with innuendos about Kelce’s love and its impact on her life. Lyrics include:
“Redwood tree, it ain’t hard to see / His love was the key that opened my thighs.”
Kelce himself praised the track on his New Heights podcast, calling it “a great song.” His brother Jason Kelce added: “I think inserting wood innuendos is always childish enough for me that I can get on board with that.”
Public Reaction
Maher’s remarks quickly circulated online, with fans divided over whether his commentary was humorous or disrespectful. Swift, 36, has not publicly responded. The pop star remains focused on her engagement and her chart-topping album, while Kelce continues his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Maher, known for provocative humor, has often stirred debate with his commentary. This latest comparison underscores his tendency to push boundaries, even when discussing one of the world’s most high-profile couples.
