Jaime King is shutting down speculation that her friendship with Taylor Swift has soured after fans noticed her son, Leo Newman, was absent from the singer’s lavish wedding to Travis Kelce.
The actress’ publicist has now addressed the growing rumors, insisting the decision had nothing to do with their relationship and explaining why Swift’s godson celebrated the newlyweds in a far more personal, age-appropriate way instead of attending the star-studded ceremony.
Rumors of a rift between Taylor Swift and Jaime King began circulating after reports revealed that all five of Swift’s godchildren were noticeably absent from her star-studded wedding celebration.
Among them was ten-year-old Leo, whom King famously asked Swift to become godmother to years ago.
As theories about the pair’s friendship spread online, King’s publicist, Jane Owen, stepped in to shut them down in a statement to Page Six, making it clear that Leo’s absence had nothing to do with any tension between the longtime friends.
Instead, Owen said the decision reflected the private nature of the role the Grammy Award winner has always played in the boy’s life.
Swift’s Role As Leo’s Godmother Was Never About Public Appearances
According to Owen, Jaime King chose Taylor Swift as Leo’s godmother because they share a similar understanding of what the role entails.
“The reason Jaime chose Taylor as Leo Thames’s godmother is because they both believe that being a godmother is a deeply personal and spiritual commitment that has nothing to do with public appearances,” she explained.
The publicist also revealed that Leo celebrated the newlyweds in his own way rather than attending the adult-focused festivities.
“Leo Thames is still too young for a large adult wedding celebration, but he and his mother were able to joyfully celebrate Taylor and Kelce’s marriage in his own very special, age-appropriate way during his summer break,” Owen added.
Jaime King Once Declared Taylor Swift Would Be ‘The Best Godmother’
Even as speculation continues about King’s friendship with Swift, the actress has long spoken glowingly about why she chose the singer as her son’s godmother.
Speaking to PEOPLE in 2020, she described the decision as deeply personal rather than one based on Swift’s fame.
“You know it doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are or what you do,” King said, explaining that choosing a godparent “is a very sacred experience.”
She added that the “Cruel Summer” singer was the obvious choice because of her character, declaring, “She’s going to be, like, the best godmother in the whole world. The best.”
King also praised Swift’s values, work ethic, and generosity, saying, “It wasn’t because it was this person and the name. It was really because of her morals and her values, the way that she treats people and how hard-working she is … her family and how close she is to them.”
King Had Long Championed Swift And Kelce’s Romance
Jaime King has never been shy about publicly supporting Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce.
Long before the wedding, the 47-year-old made it clear she believed the NFL star was the right match for the pop superstar.
Speaking to Us Weekly following the couple’s engagement, King couldn’t hide her excitement, declaring, “I’m f-cking stoked.”
The “White Chicks” actress continued, “Like, this is absolutely, this is the person. This is her person. Yeah, I’m so happy.”
King also reflected on her own engagement to Austin Sosa, saying, “I feel like my engagement is to myself, in the best way,” while adding there were “so many beautiful things happening” in her life.
What Happened To Jaime King And Taylor Swift’s Once-Close Friendship?
King and Swift were once among Hollywood’s closest celebrity friends after meeting at a 2014 Golden Globes party.
However, according to sources, the friendship quietly drifted apart over the years as King faced mounting personal challenges.
In 2025, an insider told Page Six that the pair hadn’t been in touch for a long time. They also added that their relationship “suffered because of the personal challenges” King has endured, including a contentious divorce, custody battle involving her two sons, and financial and legal issues.
Despite the distance, the source insisted there was no dramatic falling-out, explaining that King “misses Taylor” and hoped they could “reconnect at some point.”