The New York Knicks publicly backed Taylor Swift on Friday, a day after two of the team's own players, Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride, named the singer as the fakest celebrity fan they had seen courtside.
A team spokesperson said in a statement that Swift has supported the Knicks for many years, has deep ties to Madison Square Garden and that the organization is very grateful for her backing.
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
New York Knicks spokesperson
The players made the remarks Thursday on an NBA 2K livestream on TikTok after being asked to name the fakest celebrity fan. Kolek described the Garden's star-studded crowd as performative, saying some just want to be seen, then floated Swift and said he did not recall seeing her at other games.
McBride, who goes by Deuce, agreed and predicted Swift's fans would not like the answer. Kolek then tried to soften the blow, allowing that Swift is busy and cannot attend every game, before repeating that her presence felt a little performative.
The comment may also cause trouble at home. Kolek's girlfriend, Alexi Sousa, calls herself a Swiftie and wanted to know what he had said about the singer.
Swift's most visible Knicks moment came in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at the Garden, where she sat courtside with Alana Haim, Este Haim and Mariska Hargitay as New York erased a 29-point deficit to beat San Antonio. Three days later, the Knicks clinched the series in San Antonio for their first title since 1973.
Her connection to the franchise goes back further. In 2014, she visited a Knicks practice, where Amar'e Stoudemire lifted her up for a slam dunk.
Kolek is not the first to question her loyalty. Before Game 4 tipped off, broadcaster Monica McNutt was heard on air saying Swift was not a Knicks fan, then later clarified after Swift's supporters noted the singer had lived in New York City and gone to Garden games during the team's lean years.
Kolek, a third-year point guard, has drawn attention off the court before. During the championship parade in June, NYPD officers tried to corner him, believing he was a rogue fan.
