Stephen A. Smith Accuses Critics of Canceling Him Over Bad Bunny Remarks

Stephen A. Smith has come under fire recently for comments he made regarding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance. He believes his critics are actively trying to cancel him following his remarks about the language used during the show.

Controversial Comments on Bad Bunny’s Performance

Smith publicly praised Bad Bunny’s performance at Super Bowl LX, expressing his admiration for the singer and the vibrant atmosphere of the event. However, he noted that it would have been beneficial if some songs had been performed in English, stating, “You’re in the United States of America, and you perform damn-near an entire performance in Spanish.”

This comment drew criticism. Smith explained that audiences unfamiliar with Spanish might feel lost during a primarily Spanish performance. He emphasized that this point aligns with a sentiment previously voiced by former President Donald Trump, further fueling the backlash.

Defending His Statements

In a follow-up discussion on Mad Dog Sports Radio, Smith accused critics of misrepresenting his comments, asserting they are attempting to tarnish his reputation. “Because I said that, they got me all over the place with pictures pairing me with right-wingers talking about ‘I was against Bad Bunny.’ I was not against Bad Bunny,” he stated emphatically.

Smith pointed out that critics are unfairly linking his opinions to his employment at ESPN. He clarified, “I own my own shows, and I own my own YouTube channel,” urging people not to conflate his personal opinions with those of ESPN.

Response to Cancel Culture

Smith expressed frustration with the current trend of cancel culture, where differing opinions are met with extreme backlash. He argued against the growing tendency to attack individuals who express dissenting views, stating, “If you disagree with somebody, that’s a reason to go scorched earth on them.”

• Smith emphasizes speaking his truth openly.
• He encourages respectful dialogue while remaining unapologetic.
• Smith highlights that his career has survived similar criticisms for over 30 years.

A Resilient Outlook

Smith is not backing down. He insists that criticism only fuels his passion, stating it makes him “louder, more energetic, and more fearless.” He also reminded his audience about his recent dental surgery, which he claims made him more reserved on air but believes that he will return even stronger in the coming months.

This phase of his career promises to be dynamic. As the NFL season wraps up, Stephen A. Smith hints at a resurgence of his outspoken style, much to the anticipation of his fans.