Knicks retract player’s comment labeling Taylor Swift as “performative” fan

The New York Knicks released a statement on Friday distancing the organization from comments made by rookie guard Tyler Kolek, who suggested that pop star Taylor Swift’s Knicks fandom was “performative.”

"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.

Kolek’s remarks were made during a livestream on the NBA 2K League TikTok channel with teammate Deuce McBride. When asked which celebrity fan he considered the “fakest,” he replied, “Maybe Taylor Swift. I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games… I guess she’s got a lot going on so she can’t come all the time… but it’s a little performative.”

Swift has attended multiple Knicks games at Madison Square Garden, including a high-profile appearance during Game 4 of the NBA Finals alongside friends and fellow fans. She was also seen courtside in Cleveland during the Eastern Conference Finals when the Cavaliers faced the Knicks, and she held her wedding to Travis Kelce at the venue last summer.

The Knicks’ statement emphasized appreciation for Swift’s long-standing support and clarified that the player’s comment did not reflect the organization’s view.