Stephen A. Smith has said a lot of controversial things over the years and he is not one to apologize for his opinions. However, he said something about a global superstar that made him backtrack on what came out of his mouth.
Wednesday, the First Take host was a guest on Sherri Shepherd’s daytime talk show, where he was asked about Rihanna’s upcoming Super Bowl performance. He proclaimed, “she ain’t Beyonce.”
“Rihanna’s music is fantastic,” he said during the interview. “She’s great. She’s a sister. I love her dearly, I listen to her music, I’m gonna support her ’til the cows come home.”
He continued, “I’m just telling you, for me, there’s Beyoncé and there’s everybody else. Just like there’s Michael Jackson and there’s everybody else.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, [Rihanna is] a lot of things. She’s spectacular actually and congratulations on new mamahood. There’s one thing she’s not — she ain’t Beyoncé.”
Rihanna fans flooded his social media with immediate backlash.
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The vocal ESPN personality took to social media later Wednesday afternoon to offer an apology.
“I want Rihanna to know you’re a superstar, you’re sensational, you’re spectacular,” Smith said in the video. “You’re no joke and you are a worthy person to be doing Super Bowl halftime show.”
“I meant it as no disrespect to Rihanna. I know she’s phenomenal and she’s my sister. Nothing but love for her, but Beyoncé is my sister, too.”
Smith confirmed he’s got love for both singers and is looking forward to seeing Rih perform at Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12.
