Taylor Swift may have millions of fans cheering her on, but one New York Knicks player isn’t convinced she’s a real supporter of his team.
Tyler Kolek took a swipe at the pop superstar during an NBA 2K TikTok livestream on Thursday, naming her the Knicks’ “fakest celeb fan” and questioning her loyalty to the basketball team.
The 25-year-old pointed out that he hadn’t “seen her at any other games” besides Game 4 of the NBA Finals in June, when Swift watched courtside alongside the Haim sisters and other celebrities.
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His teammate Deuce McBride appeared to back him up, admitting he “would agree” with the assessment, although he quickly acknowledged that “Swifties [are] not gonna like that answer.”
Kolek knew he was asking for trouble, admitting he was “gonna get some hate” for his comments.
He did, however, concede that Swift must have “a lot going on” and “can’t come all the time.”
Still, he wasn’t entirely convinced by her appearance, describing it as “a little bit performative.” He suggested some celebrities “just want to be seen at the games, they’re not necessarily fans.”
McBride, meanwhile, gave a shout-out to Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan as celebrities he considers genuine Knicks supporters.
Swift’s courtside appearance had already attracted criticism from other fans and celebrities.
Hank Azaria said he was “bothered” by her prime seats, while Charlamagne Tha God had a much blunter message, asking her to “get the eff out of” the arena.
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The Knicks went on to beat the San Antonio Spurs and win the championship, their first in 53 years.
