Tyler Kolek, 25, called Taylor Swift the Knicks’ “fakest celeb fan” during a livestream Thursday.
The New York Knicks point guard made the blunt assessment on an NBA 2K TikTok broadcast alongside teammate Deuce McBride, 26. Kolek zeroed in on Swift’s single high-profile appearance at an NBA Finals game this summer, noting he hasn’t “seen her at any other games” besides that June matchup.
McBride quickly signaled his agreement with the critique, though he predicted backlash from Swift’s devoted followers. “Swifties [are] not gonna like that answer,” he said during the stream.
Kolek anticipated the online fury himself. “I’m gonna get some hate,” he acknowledged, before offering a partial defense of the pop superstar. He granted that Swift has “a lot going on” and “can’t come all the time,” but ultimately stood by his core complaint about her Finals presence.
“It’s a little bit performative,” Kolek stated. He expanded that some celebrities “just want to be seen at the games, they’re not necessarily fans.”
McBride, 26, shifted the conversation toward celebrities he considers authentic supporters, naming Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan as genuine Knicks devotees.
Swift, 36, generated significant attention when she attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals in June alongside pals Este Haim and Alana Haim. The trio occupied courtside seats next to longtime Knicks fanatic Mariska Hargitay. The home team defeated the San Antonio Spurs that night and later captured the championship, their first title in 53 years.
The “Cruel Summer” singer’s playoff appearance drew fire from multiple entertainment figures. Hank Azaria, who found himself “stuck… Up in the rafters” during the game, vented on the “Dan Le Batard Show” that he was “bothered” by her premium seating and “tired” of encountering her at sporting events. “I know she’s the hugest thing in the world, but we had to sit with her all through the NFL [to watch fiancé Travis Kelce] and now she’s at the Garden,” the actor told listeners. “Come on.”
Radio personality Charlamagne Tha God issued a more pointed dismissal on “The Breakfast Club,” requesting that Swift “get the eff out of” the arena. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy also ranted about being “sick” of Swift and other “obnoxious” celebs at games.
The controversy followed a separate May outing when Swift and Kelce attended an NBA game together. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end notably wore a Cleveland Cavaliers cap as the Ohio-based squad faced the Knicks, while Swift declined to visibly support either team.
Kolek’s “performative” label lands amid Swift’s ongoing Eras Tour, which has kept her performing internationally throughout much of 2024.