New York Knicks point guard Tyler Kolek may be rethinking his decision to call Taylor Swift the “fakest” celebrity Knicks fan. The 25-year-old was seen singing Swift’s chart-topping hit “Blank Space” in the locker room after his team defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New York Knicks’ Tyler Kolek sings Taylor Swift song days after “fakest fan” dig
Knicks shooting guard Jordan Clarkson shared a clip of the moment on his Instagram Stories on November 7. He also came to Kolek’s defense with a cheeky message: “He apologizes … the kid is OK, ‘He’s a Swiftie.'”
Kolek’s comments about Swift first caught fans’ attention during a November 5 livestream. He made the remark during an NBA 2K TikTok livestream with teammate Deuce McBride when he was asked, “Who is the fakest celebrity Knicks fan?” As reported previously, he replied, “At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative, ’cause, like, they just want to be seen at the game. They’re not necessarily fans. Maybe Taylor Swift?”
McBride quickly added, “Swifties [aren’t] going to like that answer.” Both players anticipated some backlash from the global superstar’s fans over the response.
Since then, a Knicks spokesperson has defended Swift’s loyalty to the team in a statement to Us Weekly. The spokesperson said the pop superstar has supported the Knicks for years and highlighted her connection with Madison Square Garden. The venue hosted her wedding to Travis Kelce this summer. “We are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization,” the spokesperson added.
Following the backlash from Swifties, Kolek also clarified his comments in an interview with The Athletic. He said, “For me, it’s just a question that was asked to me that maybe I answered in the wrong way. I take that on the chin. But I love her music. We were just playing it five minutes ago, and I’m singing every word to every song. Nothing against her at all” adding, “I just misspoke.”
