Back
The New York Knicks say they have no bad blood with Taylor Swift.
The pop superstar was criticized by Tyler Kolek and Miles “Deuce” McBride as the "fakest" Knicks fan. The Knicks players made the comments during a TikTok stream while playing NBA 2K.
The team released a statement to various outlets on Friday, Nov. 6 expressing their support for Swift, saying she is always welcome in New York. USA TODAY Sports reached out to the team and did not hear back at the time of publication.
"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," a representative for the Knicks told ESPN.
Swift was among the dozens of celebrities who attended the NBA Finals. She sat courtside for Game 4 with Mariska Hargitay and Este and Alana Haim and wore a blue T-shirt that had the clever saying "Stevie Knicks" written in orange – in reference rock icon Steve Nicks. The Knicks went on to beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win their first NBA championship in 53 years.
Swift also sat courtside at Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, the hometown team of her now-husband, Travis Kelce.
The Grammy-winner and All-Pro tight end got married at Madison Square Garden this summer with an extensive celebrity guestlist and designer touches.
The players' comments were a response to a fan asking who the "fakest" Knicks fan was during the championship run.
Kolek added, "I don't know if I've seen her at any other games. … It's a little performative."