The New York Knicks have publicly defended pop superstar Taylor Swift after reserve guard Tyler Kolek questioned her status as a fan of the team. In a statement released Friday, an MSG spokesperson asserted that Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years and has a significant history with Madison Square Garden, expressing appreciation for her support.
The controversy began when Kolek, during a segment on the NBA 2K League's 'Deflected' show, named Swift as the team's 'fakest celebrity' fan. He recalled seeing her at a game but suggested she might be a recent addition to the fanbase, noting, "I don't know if I've seen her at any other games." His teammate Miles McBride cautioned him that "Swifties [are] not gonna like that answer."
Swift's dedicated fanbase, known as Swifties, quickly mobilized on social media, with many fans pointing out Kolek's limited playing time compared to Swift's attendance at games. One fan commented online, "Taylor been to more Knicks games than you Tyler."
Swift has attended Knicks games previously, particularly before her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. Older reports and photos show her attending games in 2014 with friends like Karlie Kloss, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Amanda Seyfried, and Justin Long. She was also seen at a Knicks game in Cleveland with Kelce, though she did not wear team apparel.
Kolek's remarks extended beyond Swift, as he described many celebrity attendees at MSG as "performative" and "not necessarily fans" who are primarily there to be seen.
This is not the first time Swift's fandom has been scrutinized. Earlier, MSG Network host Monica McNutt faced backlash for suggesting Swift was "not a Knicks fan" during a Game 4 broadcast. Knicks star Jalen Brunson later defended Swift, telling McNutt, "She's a really good one. Cut her some slack. It's all good. I promise."
McNutt later clarified her comments, stating she had not seen Swift at many games that season and noted her appearance at a Cavaliers game without Knicks gear, which led her to question Swift's "Knicks loyalty." She added, "T-Swift, we could be united in orange and blue. Like, it's fine."
Following her attendance at a Knicks game, Swift was reportedly thanked for her "Knicks good luck" at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony.