Home · Sports · Nov 6 archive
Knicks Defend Taylor Swift After Player's Performative Fandom Claim
· Confirmed
In Short: During a candid interview with teammate Miles “Deuce” McBride, Knicks guard Tyler Kolek suggested that some celebrities, including Taylor Swift, attend games just to be seen, not because they genuinely support the team, according to AOL.com and Aol.
Swift’s devoted followers were quick to criticize Kolek for questioning her fandom, as noted by CBS Sports and Eonline.
The New York Knicks issued a statement defending Swift, stating they are “incredibly appreciative” of her support, as reported by CBS Sports and ClutchPoints.
Swift has a long history with Madison Square Garden, having been photographed at Knicks games as far back as 2014, and sat courtside during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, according to Deadline.
Despite Kolek's claim, the Knicks broadcaster Monica McNutt had previously called Swift a fake fan in June after Swift attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals, as reported by BroBible.
Swift’s appearances at Knicks games have been rare, with her most recent sighting at the 2026 NBA Finals, noted by Fox News.
The Knicks have been supportive of Swift, with a spokesperson saying, “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,” as reported by CBS Sports and Eonline.
Swift’s relationship with the Knicks extends beyond just attending games; she has performed sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Kolek’s teammate, McBride, agreed with Kolek’s assessment but warned that Swift’s fans might not appreciate the comments, as reported by CBS Sports and Eonline.
Swift’s appearances at Knicks games have been infrequent, with her last sighting at a 2026 NBA Finals game, noted by People.
The Knicks have distanced themselves from Kolek’s personal opinion, emphasizing that Swift’s support is genuine and appreciated, as reported by TMZ and Sportsnet.
Swift’s fandom has been questioned by some, but the Knicks have made it clear that they value her support, as reported by multiple outlets.
The Knicks and Swift’s fans have rallied to defend Swift, highlighting her long-standing relationship with Madison Square Garden and her genuine support for the team.
Background
During a candid interview with teammate Miles “Deuce” McBride, Knicks guard Tyler Kolek suggested that some celebrities, including Taylor Swift, attend games just to be seen, not because they genuinely support the team.
What's confirmed
- “I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games.” “I would agree,” McBride said before warning Kolek, “Yeah, Swifties are not going to like that answer.” Kolek acknowledged that the singer’s devoted followers might criticize him for questioning her fandom and admitted that his remark could attract backlash.
- At the time, Knicks broadcaster Monica McNutt called out Swift for being a fake fan.
- "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 Knicks spokesperson said.
- The New York Knicks issued a statement after Tyler Kolek called Taylor Swift's fandom 'performative' after she came to an NBA Finals game.
- They stayed enthusiastic despite the Knicks trailing almost the entire game.
- Knicks’ Kolek, McBride call out Taylor Swift as ‘performative’ fan By www.espn.com - TOP Nov 6, 2026 | 3:01 PM The Knicks have come to the defense of Taylor Swift and say they are “incredibly appreciative” of her support after Tyler Kolek and Miles “Deuce” McBride named her as the fakest celebrity fan at games.
- The New York Knicks are pledging allegiance to Taylor Swift.
- A New York Knicks rep is speaking out about the Tyler Kolek diss.
- If you didn’t see, the 25-year-old Knicks player was asked who he thought the “fakest” celebrity Knicks fan really is.
- The New York Knicks had to release a statement on Friday, walking back comments from Kolek calling Swift the fakest celebrity Knicks fan.
- Kolek made the initial comments in a livestream with teammate Deuce McBride on the NBA 2K League TikTok page and called her Knicks fandom performative, referencing her courtside appearances at Madison Square Garden during the NBA Finals.
- 10:01 AM PT -- The New York Knicks are making it crystal clear that while Kolek and McBride may have their personal feelings on Taylor's fandom, it's not the position of the organization.
What's still developing
- "If you live in New York, you are a Knicks fan." And if you've been keeping up, then you know Kylie Jenner has been joining Chalamet, whom she's dated since 2023, courtside to cheer on the Knicks.
- In his third season in New York, the 25-year-old backup guard was on the Knicks’ 2026 championship roster.
- Alana wore a T-shirt that read “Knickelback,” while Este wore one printed with “Knickole Kidman.” Swift, Alana, and Este sat courtside for the game, with Swift sitting next to Mariska Hargitay — whose Law & Order character the pop star’s cat Olivia Benson is named after.
- The conversation took place during an NBA 2K League interview.
- Guess alternative truth and AI have done away with fact checking.
- Swift's actual sightings at MSG have been rare: a 2003 halftime show at age 13, a 2014 courtside appearance with Carmelo Anthony and a 12-year gap before returning for the 2026 Finals.