Alan Cumming recently revealed an unexpected behind-the-scenes influence on The Traitors and the power of fandom. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the actor and host explained that contestants were surprisingly cautious when it came to Donna Kelce, largely because of her connection to Travis Kelce and, by extension, Taylor Swift.
Alan Cumming shared how the The Traitors cast felt about Donna Kelce
Cumming, who serves as the sharp-tongued host of The Traitors, shared that cast members were well aware of Donna Kelce’s popularity outside the castle. The Traitors is a reality competition where contestants secretly assigned as “traitors” attempt to eliminate others, while the remaining players work to identify and vote them out. Strategy, perception, and social dynamics all play a major role in determining who stays and who goes.
During the appearance, Cumming explained that Donna’s presence created a unique dynamic. He explained that contestants understood that voting Donna out could provoke backlash from Taylor Swift’s fanbase, often referred to as Swifties. According to Cumming, this wasn’t speculation but something players openly discussed, acknowledging how powerful and vocal that fandom can be.
He clarified that the show itself wasn’t influenced by production interference or external pressure. Instead, the hesitation came entirely from the players, who factored public reaction into their decisions. Donna’s warm, relatable image, combined with her sudden pop culture relevance, made her a contestant people were reluctant to target.
Cumming’s comments were echoed in coverage by Us Weekly, which reported that cast members genuinely worried about upsetting Swifties.
Ultimately, the moment highlights how modern reality television no longer exists in isolation. As Cumming pointed out, contestants don’t just play for a prize; they also consider how their actions will land audiences watching, tweeting, and reacting in real time.
