New York Knicks point guard Tyler Kolek has labeled pop superstar Taylor Swift as the "fakest" celebrity fan to emerge during the team's recent championship run.
Kolek and teammate Deuce McBride made the remarks during an NBA 2K League TikTok livestream on Thursday when asked to identify the most inauthentic celebrity fan of the Knicks. Kolek stated that he believes many celebrity attendees are "very performative" and "just want to be seen at the game," rather than being genuine supporters.
He specifically called out Swift, questioning her consistent presence at games. "Maybe Taylor Swift? I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games," Kolek said. "I guess she has a lot going on so she can’t come all the time. But it’s a little performative."
McBride acknowledged Kolek's sentiment but cautioned him about potential repercussions from Swift's dedicated fanbase, the "Swifties." Kolek readily agreed, anticipating criticism.
Swift was a notable presence at Game 4 of the NBA Finals, where the Knicks secured a victory against the San Antonio Spurs. She attended courtside with sisters Este and Alana Haim, wearing a custom "Stevie Knicks" t-shirt. This appearance came shortly after she attended the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York and before her reported wedding to Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden.
Swift's courtside appearances during the Knicks' playoff games had previously drawn attention, including an instance during the Eastern Conference Finals where she was seen supporting the Cleveland Cavaliers with Kelce, which reportedly irked some Knicks fans. However, older photos shared by a Knicks fan page on X in May showed Swift in team merchandise and courtside with figures like Jimmy Fallon, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Carmelo Anthony, dating back to the mid-2010s.
Kolek's comments generated a mixed reaction online, with some fans agreeing with his assessment and others defending Swift's history as a supporter of the team.