Bad blood? Knicks issue statement after Tyler Kolek calls Taylor Swift 'performative'
The New York Knicks issued a formal statement supporting Taylor Swift after player Tyler Kolek publicly questioned the authenticity of her fandom. Kolek had labeled her courtside appearances as 'performative' during a livestream.
Why it matters
Highlights the intersection of celebrity culture and professional sports, and how organizations manage public relations crises involving their players.
Este Haim and Taylor Swift watch during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in New York. (Ross D. Franklin/AP) Tyler Kolek may have learned the hard way that you don't want bad blood with Taylor Swift fans.
The New York Knicks had to release a statement on Friday, walking back comments from Kolek calling Swift the fakest celebrity Knicks fan.
"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 team said in a statement obtained by SNY's Ian Begley.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
New York Knicks Distance Team From Player Comments Calling Taylor Swift Fake Fan
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Knicks defend Taylor Swift after players name her 'fakest celebrity fan'
Taylor Swift Named 'Fakest' Celebrity Knicks Fan by Tyler Kolek, Deuce McBride in Trending Video
Taylor Swift slammed as 'fakest' New York Knicks fan by team player Tyler Kolek
Knicks Star Tyler Kolek Slams Taylor Swift For Being a 'Performative' Fan
Knicks 'appreciative' of Taylor Swift after Kolek, McBride question fandom
Knicks' Tyler Kolek calls Taylor Swift 'fakest' celebrity fan
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in