Stephen A. Smith, the popular ESPN personality known for his candid and often controversial commentary, found himself in hot water recently after deleting a tweet in which he questioned the involvement of Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner in the sex tape scandal that catapulted Kim to fame. This incident occurred during the latest episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” where he delved into a range of non-sports-related topics, including the infamous tape.
During the episode, Smith discussed a clip from September featuring political commentator Candace Owens, who discussed Ray J’s claims that Kris Jenner orchestrated the release of the sex tape. Smith recounted Owens’ allegations, claiming that Kris was fully aware of what was happening and played a key role in orchestrating the scandal. Smith did not shy away from implicating Kim either, asserting that she was also complicit in the incident.
While the incident in question took place years ago, the resurgence of interest in the topic prompted Smith to bring it up on his show. However, his decision to weigh in on the matter with a tweet questioning whether Kim Kardashian was a “prostitute” and Kris Jenner a “pimp” did not sit well with many people. His tweet sparked outrage, with NBA player Patrick Beverley among those defending Kim Kardashian and calling out Smith for his derogatory language. Smith quickly responded, acknowledging the error and attributing it to a “clerical error.” He subsequently deleted the tweet but failed to address his remarks during the actual show.
The fact that Smith decided to entertain this controversial topic and seemingly support Candace Owens’ claims did not go unnoticed by his viewers. Despite previously publicly supporting Kim Kardashian and praising her as a good mother, Smith appeared to be leaning into bashing her during this particular episode. His sister, who was a guest on the show, even partially agreed with Owens’ perspective, further adding to the controversy surrounding Smith’s remarks.
Related Post
This incident raises questions about Smith’s judgment and the responsibility that comes with his platform. While it is certainly within his purview to discuss a variety of topics on his show, it is crucial for him to consider the impact of his words and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or engaging in character assassination.
Smith’s supporters argue that his remarks should be taken in context and that his intention was not to belittle or degrade Kardashian or Jenner. However, it is important to recognize the power dynamics at play when a prominent figure like Smith engages in discussions about sex, exploitation, and the objectification of women. Irrespective of his intent, his words can inadvertently contribute to a culture that perpetuates harmful narratives and devalues women based on their sexuality.
While Smith has since acknowledged his “clerical error,” his failure to address the controversy during the actual episode leaves lingering doubts about his true perspective on the matter. It is unfortunate that someone with such influence did not take the opportunity to clarify his views and challenge societal norms that contribute to the objectification of women.
Moving forward, it is essential for Smith and other public figures to exercise greater caution and sensitivity when discussing sensitive topics. By using their platform responsibly, they can contribute to a more inclusive and respectful discourse that uplifts rather than undermines individuals, particularly women, who have experienced exploitation or unfair judgments.
