Knicks defend Taylor Swift after players label her a fake fan
The New York Knicks organization responded to comments by players Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride that suggested Taylor Swift was not a genuine supporter, emphasizing her long-standing ties to the team and Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks issued a statement defending pop star Taylor Swift after two players on the team implied she was not a genuine fan. The team’s spokesperson said Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and that the organization appreciates her support.
During an NBA 2K TikTok livestream, Kolek was asked to name the "fakest celeb fan" he had seen courtside. He replied, "Maybe Taylor Swift? I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games," and McBride agreed, noting that their answer could damage their reputation. Kolek later tried to explain that Swift’s busy schedule might limit her attendance, describing it as "a little performative."
Swift’s connection to the Knicks includes sitting courtside for Game 4 of the NBA finals, where she watched the team overcome a 29-point deficit to defeat San Antonio, and attending a 2014 practice where she received a lift from Amar’e Stoudemire for a dunk. The organization highlighted these moments to underscore her genuine fandom.