Knicks Defend Taylor Swift After Players Call Her Fandom Performative
The NBA champion organization issued a statement Friday after Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride questioned the singer's attendance at games.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
The New York Knicks issued a formal statement Friday to support Taylor Swift after two players suggested her support for the team was not genuine. The organization stated that Swift has been a fan for many years and holds a long history with Madison Square Garden. A spokesperson told NBC News that the franchise is incredibly appreciative of her ongoing support.
The comments originated on Thursday during an NBA 2K TikTok livestream. Hosts asked Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride to identify the fakest celebrity fan they had seen courtside. Kolek suggested Swift, noting he was unsure if he had seen her at any other games. McBride agreed with the assessment but admitted the answer might cost them popularity among Swifties. He said, "Swifties (are) not going like that answer."
Kolek attempted to clarify his position by referencing the singer's busy schedule. He said, "I guess she's got a lot going on so she can't come all the time. But it's a little performative." McBride later acknowledged that he and Kolek had damaged their reputation and were headed for anti-hero status among fans.
The controversy has personal stakes for Kolek. His girlfriend, Alexi Sousa, is a self-identified Swiftie. She took to social media to ask Kolek what he had to say about her. The players' remarks have stirred tension with the large group of Swifties who attend Knicks games.
Swift's connection to the team dates back to 2014 when she visited a practice session. During that visit, Amar'e Stoudemire lifted her into the air for a dunk. Her presence became central to the team's recent championship run. She sat courtside for Game 4 of the NBA Finals with Alana Haim, Este Haim, and Mariska Hargitay. The group wore t-shirts with Knicks-themed puns while watching the team overcome a 29-point deficit against San Antonio.
The Knicks clinched the series three days later in San Antonio. This victory returned the NBA championship to New York for the first time since 1973. The team is now focused on the upcoming season after the public exchange over their most famous supporter.
The organization's statement serves as a direct response to the players' casual remarks. It reaffirms Swift's status as a valued member of the fan base. The Knicks maintain that her long history with the franchise outweighs recent questions about her attendance frequency.
