Travis Kelce didn’t attend this year’s VMAs, but word spread online. Taylor Swift, his girlfriend, mentioned him in her acceptance speech.

Before the ceremony, a media outlet explained Travis Kelce’s absence. Taylor mentioned him throughout the show, but some fans think he skipped it for a reason.

Travis Kelce couldn’t attend the VMAs at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, due to work, according to Page Six. Taylor Swift’s big night was on Wednesday, September 11.

In an exclusive Page Six interview, an insider explained why Travis Kelce couldn’t attend the VMAs: “[Travis] had to be back in Kansas City by Tuesday for practice.”

The source was talking to the September 15 Kansas City Chiefs-Cincinnati Bengals game. The Week 2 game starts at 4:25 p.m. ET.

This follows the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 1 27-20 win against the Baltimore Ravens.

Page Six’s explanation for Travis Kelce missing the VMAs didn’t convince some netizens. Many posted theories on social media about why he skipped the event.

Some commented, “I think he’s not at Taylor’s award show because he’s not interested in her! More concerned with his career.” Another said, “He obviously doesn’t have time to have a matching dress made.”

Travis Kelce’s absence may indicate relationship issues with Taylor Swift, this year’s most nominated artist at the VMAs. A guy wrote, “Now. Many believed the pair was about to break up, with one saying, “Great loss, beginning of the end…”

Despite breakup rumors, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have not addressed them.

Taylor Swift even thanked her partner during her VMA acceptance speech, indicating no breakup.

After winning Video of the Year for her collaboration with Post Malone on “Fortnight,” Taylor Swift said Travis Kelce encouraged her during the music video shoot.

Swift remembered a memorable occasion during her Video of the Year victory speech. “I remember hearing my boyfriend Travis cheering ‘Woo,’ from across the studio when I cut a take,” she said with the crowd.

The crowd went wild when Taylor Swift called Travis Kelce her boyfriend. She said, “Everything this man touches is happy, fun, and magic. I appreciate him adding that to our shot because I’ll always remember it.”

Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech online was met with less enthusiasm than at the VMAs. Some netizens believe the event had a hidden agenda, suggesting there may be more to the story.

One Instagram user said, “She had to mention [Kelce], it’s part of the ‘arrangement.’” Another user said, “[I]ll] always remember that. Their contract ends soon. It appears that there may be an agreement or deadline affecting their relationship (💀).

Another observer said, “He is loving the fame.. 😂,” while another voiced frustration, “Not a fan of hers anymore! Really, never was!”

Taylor Swift won Video of the Year and 11 other nominations. These included Song of the Year, Song of the Summer, Best Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Visual Effects, Art Direction, and Best Collaboration with Post Malone for “Fortnight.”

Taylor Swift was nominated for Best Pop, Artist of the Year, and VMA Most Iconic Performance for “You Belong With Me.”