After being called out by New York Knicks star Tyler Kolek for being the team's “fakest celebrity fan,” the organization has defended Taylor Swift, who attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
The Knicks issued a statement, defending Swift's longtime fandom and her “long history with Madison Square Garden.” They are grateful for her support.
“Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and we are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization,” the statement read.
Knicks star Tyler Kolek's comments about Taylor Swift's fandom
Kolek and his teammate, Mile McBride, did a video for Deflected. They were asked who the “fakest celebrity fan” of the Knicks is: Kolek said there are several “performative” fans who clout-chase by going to games. Among those celebrities was Swift.
“At the Knicks games, I would say it's very performative 'cause they just want to be seen at the game; they're not necessarily fans,” said Kolek. “Maybe Taylor Swift. I don't know if I've seen her at any other games.”
McBride knew Kolek might have made a mistake, saying, “Swifties not gonna like that answer,” before shouting out other celebrity fans like Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan.
Kolek tried to save himself, conceding that Swift may have “a lot going on so she can't come all the time.” Still, he finds it “a little performative.”
Article Continues BelowSwift attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals when the Knicks played the San Antonio Spurs. They famously erased a 29-point deficit to gain a 3-1 lead in the series.
She was decked out in a Knicks-themed shirt that read, “Stevie Knicks.” Swift sat alongside Mariska Hargitay and Este and Alana Haim. They stayed enthusiastic despite the Knicks trailing almost the entire game.
However, a few weeks earlier, she attended one of the Knicks' games against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. She was with her husband and Ohio native Travis Kelce.