Taylor Swift and Kylie Jenner showed contrasting emotions during the unexpected clash in Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
Body language expert Susan Constantine spoke exclusively to Page Six after the unlikely duo was spotted hugging on a court at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Mr Constantine said on Wednesday night that the “contrast” between the two women was “remarkable” from a behavioral intelligence perspective.
“Taylor’s demeanor seemed more reserved and cautious, while Kylie’s presentation was more expressive and energetic,” Constantine said. “Although the interaction itself was friendly, the intensity of the engagement seemed unequal, with Kylie displaying more outward enthusiasm than Taylor.”
Constantine observed that Swift seemed “somewhat reluctant” to get involved with Jenner.
“Taylor’s shoulders remained slightly slanted as Kylie approached, and her greeting was brief, with just a brief acknowledgment before a brief hug,” she added.
The behavioral analyst said the pop star’s “tapping” on Jenner’s shoulder is a gesture that “often involves connection, reassurance, or social warmth.”
In contrast, Constantine said the Kylie Cosmetics founder had a “more animated reaction” to Swift.
“Her eyes were noticeably wide, her expression showed surprise and excitement, and the tone of her voice was high,” Constantine said.
Jenner’s behavior was more commonly associated with “emotional excitement and heightened enthusiasm.”
“Whether this reflects genuine excitement, social performance, or both requires additional context and a broader behavioral baseline,” Constantine says.
In a video that went viral on social media, the “Cruel Summer” singer and Jenner are seen hugging after the Knicks’ 106-107 win over the Spurs.
Jenner, 28, greeted the songstress, 36, with a “hello!” before expressing his excitement for the game. She then turned to another friend, and Swift chatted with friends around her.
Swift attended the game along with Este Haim and Alana Haim, and was coordinating in a funny shirt while sitting courtside.
Jenner was seated in the Garden’s iconic celebrity row with her boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet, a lifelong Knicks fan.
The heartfelt greeting came as a surprise to fans, as Jenner’s sister Kim Kardashian has had a long-standing feud with Swift.
The Skims founder and Swift, 45, became rivals after Swift released an edited recording of a phone call with Kanye West in 2016 amid a dispute over the lyrics of the singer’s song “Famous.”
