The New York Knicks have defended superstar Taylor Swift after players named her as the fakest celebrity fan.
The basketball team’s point guards Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride were asked who the least genuine celebrity Knicks fan was during an NBA 2K livestream on Thursday.
“At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative, cause like they just want to be seen at the game, they’re not necessarily fans. Maybe Taylor Swift?” Kolek responded.
McBride added: “I would agree.”
In May and June this year, Swift attended Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland and Game Four of the NBA Finals in New York City.
“I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games,” Kolak said.
A spokesperson for the Knicks defended Swift on Friday, telling media: “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 organisation.”
The BBC has approached the Knicks for comment.
McBride added that “everybody else is usually solid”, citing actor Ben Stiller and comedian Tracy Morgan as examples.
Kolek joked he was “gonna get some hate from the Swifties” and noted “she’s got a lot going on so she can’t come all the time… it’s a little performative”.
During Game Four of the NBA Finals, Swift watched alongside musicians Este Haim, Alana Haim and actor Mariska Hargitay in matching blue shirts with either “Stevie Knicks”, “Knickelback” or “Knickole Kidman” written in orange.
The Knicks later went on to win their first championship in over 50 years, beating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game Five – sending New York City into a frenzy.
Swift has attended other games in the past, including a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Knicks in October 2014 and a matchup against the Orlando Magic in November 2014.
The pop star’s connection with Madison Square Garden runs deep as she has performed there for two of her tours “Fearless” in 2009 and “Speak Now” in 2011.
In July this year, Swift and her husband, Travis Kelce got married at Madison Square Garden in a star-studded ceremony officiated by actor Adam Sandler.
Few details about the wedding have been released, with Swift’s publicist confirming at the time both the singer and Kelce wore Christian Dior. Neither had bridesmaids or groomsmen.
Swift’s brother, Austin Swift, served as her man of honour, and Jason Kelce, Travis’s brother, was his best man.
