Stephen A. Smith makes a name error, referring to Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk as Charlie during ESPN’s First Take. During the conversation, Stephen discussed Christian’s performance in the Texans’ match against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 13. Fans on social media immediately noticed the tongue slip-up and shared their unique takes.
Stephen A. Smith says Charlie Kirk instead of Christian Kirk
Stephen A. Smith mistakenly took Charlie Kirk‘s name instead of Christian while referring to the wide receiver’s performance during the Texans vs. Steelers match. He said, “We saw Charlie Kirk catch 8 receptions for 144 yards…” He soon realized his name error and apologized publicly. Correcting his mistake, he added, “I apologize. Oh my God. Christian Kirk.” The moment garnered massive attention, with many taking to social media to share their reaction to the tongue slip.
A user wrote, “To be fair, I call Christian Kirk ‘Charlie’ all the time.” Another one mentioned, “All Kirks are Charlie Kirk now.” A third user mentioned, “Wonder what else he’s thinking about…” “Stephen A. never missing an opportunity to go viral,” a fourth user added. Other reactions also included “Man said Charlie Kirk with full confidence too,” “Bro what a fumble,” and “Bro apologised real quick.”
Charlie Kirk, speaking at the outdoor campus debate at Utah Valley University in Orem, was assassinated in September 2025. Following his demise, Stephen A. Smith strongly condemned the killing of Kirk by saying. “I don’t care what his political beliefs were! I don’t care what he felt! I care about the fact that a man was gunned down in front of 2 of his children who are 5 years of age or less. That he’s dead at the age of 31. That his wife is a widow. That his children are fatherless because his ideas and his beliefs differed from somebody else, apparently.” Stephen called out people for having no shame in celebrating someone’s death online.
