Knicks Player Tyler Kolek Calls Taylor Swift a Performative Fan

Taylor Swift Called “Fakest” Knicks Fan by Tyler Kolek in Livestream

Taylor Swift has picked up some high-profile detractors in the National Basketball Association, with New York Knicks player Tyler Kolek labeling the pop star the team’s “fakest celeb fan” during a Thursday livestream.

Page Six reported that the 25-year-old athlete dropped the critique during an NBA 2K TikTok broadcast, pointing out that he hasn’t seen her at any other games besides Game 4 of the NBA Finals in June. During that June 10 matchup at Madison Square Garden, Swift sat courtside alongside Alana and Este Haim as the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs on their way to capturing their first championship in 53 years.

While Kolek acknowledged that Swift likely has a busy schedule preventing regular attendance, he ultimately characterized her presence as “a little bit performative.” He added that some A-listers “just want to be seen at the games, they’re not necessarily fans.”

Knicks player Tyler Kolek questions if Taylor Swift is a real fan

Teammate Deuce McBride, 26, chimed in during the broadcast to say he would agree with Kolek’s assessment, though he admitted that “Swifties [are] not gonna like that answer.” Kolek acknowledged he anticipated receiving some backlash from the singer’s fanbase. Meanwhile, McBride contrasted Swift’s sporadic appearances by praising the likes of Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan as genuine supporters of the professional basketball team.

The Response from Madison Square Garden and Past Backlash

The organization pushed back on the player’s characterization. A Knicks spokesperson told Page Six that “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.” Swift’s representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Taylor swift and travis kelce aerial view of madison square garden

The debate over courtside celebrity seating follows similar friction from earlier in the year. Over the summer, actor Hank Azaria told the “Dan Le Batard Show” that he was bothered by Swift’s playoff seats, noting he was tired of seeing her at sporting matches after following her presence throughout the NFL season to watch Travis Kelce. Podcast host Charlamagne Tha God similarly requested on “The Breakfast Club” that Swift exit the arena, while Dave Portnoy voiced frustration over obnoxious celebrities at games.

Swift also faced online attention in May during an NBA date night with Kelce, where the Kansas City Chiefs player wore a Cleveland Cavaliers cap while the Ohio-based team played the Knicks.