Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has come to the defense of pop star Taylor Swift following the release of her album, ‘Tortured Poets Department.’
Smith, known for his strong opinions in the sports world, used his platform on the ‘Stephen A. Smith Show’ to praise Swift’s artistry and resilience.
“We gotta stop hating on this girl,” Smith said. “She’s earned it. She really has. She’s a brilliant artist. She’s very, very talented. It’s just that simple.”
Smith also acknowledged the challenges Swift has faced, including her public relationships and her struggles with alcoholism. However, he emphasized that she has overcome these obstacles and achieved remarkable success.
“Regardless of what trials and tribulations she’s had to endure, she’s overcome it,” Smith said. “And now, she’s made a dang-near billion dollars for herself and made about six billion dollars on tour from last year.”
Smith’s admiration for Swift is particularly notable given his past criticism of her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. In the past, Smith has accused Swift of distracting Kelce and affecting his performance on the field.
However, in his recent comments, Smith focused on Swift’s music and artistry, praising her for her candid lyrics and her ability to connect with fans. He also expressed his appreciation for Swift’s positive influence on his own teenage daughters.
“Swifties woke up with a lot to be excited about,” Smith said. “I’m sure my daughters have already listened to it about ten times. They love Taylor Swift, I can’t even tell you how much they love Taylor Swift.”
Despite his praise for Swift, Smith did express some reservations about her album, particularly her attacks on Kim Kardashian. Smith is a known fan of Beyoncé and has previously expressed his belief that she is the superior artist.
“We don’t love nobody more than Beyoncé,” Smith said. “Beyoncé is it, all that in a bag of chips. She is the truth.”
