The Knicks have come to Taylor Swift's defense and said they are "incredibly appreciative" of her support after two New York players questioned whether she is a fake fan.
During an NBA 2K League livestream posted on YouTube on Thursday, Tyler Kolek and Miles "Deuce" McBride were asked who was the fakest celebrity fan they had seen courtside at an NBA game.
"At the Knicks games, I would say it's very performative because like they just want to be seen at the game. They're not necessarily fans. Probably Taylor Swift," Kolek answered and McBride agreed.
Kolek acknowledged he was "going to get some hate from the Swifties" before adding "I guess she's got a lot going on, so she can't come all the time, but ... it's a little performative."
McBride called other celebrity Knicks fans "solid," naming Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan as examples.
On Friday, a Knicks spokesperson responded to the players' comments in a statement.
"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 spokesperson said.
Swift's wedding to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was held at Madison Square Garden in July. TMZ said her fandom of the Knicks stretches back to 2003, when she sang in a halftime talent contest at the age of 13.
Swift was courtside for Game 4 of the NBA Finals in a "Stevie Knicks" T-Shirt, sitting next to friends Alana Haim, Este Haim and Mariska Hargitay. She also was courtside for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals when the Knicks played at the Cavaliers sitting with Kelce, who is a longtime Cleveland sports fan.
