New York Knicks Defend Taylor Swift After Player Tyler Kolek Calls Her a “Performative” Fan

The New York Knicks are coming to Taylor Swift’s defense after player Tyler Kolek called her a “performative” Knicks fan.

A Knicks spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, “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.”

Kolek made the comments earlier this week during an NBA 2K TikTok livestream with fellow Knicks player Miles McBride, who asked him who he thought was the “fakest celebrity Knicks fan.” Kolek pointed to Swift, suggesting some celebrities attend games more for the attention than their support of the team.

“At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative. Because they just want to be seen at the game; they’re not necessarily fans,” he said. “Maybe Taylor Swift?”

“I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games,” Kolek continued. “I guess she’s got a lot going on, so she can’t come all the time, but it’s a little performative.”

Also on Friday, Kolek’s girlfriend, Alexi Sousa, reacted to his remarks in a TikTok post. “Me (a swiftie) waking up next to Tyler & seeing what he had to say about my girl,” she wrote in the caption, adding, “My favorite celeb Knicks fan btw.”

Swift has been spotted attending Knicks games on multiple occasions, including courtside at Game 4 of the NBA Finals in June, where she wore a “Stevie Knicks” T-shirt and sat alongside friends Alana Haim, Este Haim and Mariska Hargitay. She also attended Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals with Travis Kelce when the Knicks played the Cavaliers.

Beyond her appearances at Knicks games, Swift has a longstanding relationship with Madison Square Garden, where she has performed sold-out concerts. She first performed at the venue when she was 13. In July, Swift and Kelce also got married at MSG, with a star-studded group of guests in attendance.