Stephen A. Smith isn’t backing down from controversy surrounding his comments about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show.
In fact, he’s doubling down—and firing back at critics he believes are trying to cancel him.
The ESPN personality found himself at the center of backlash after agreeing with President Donald Trump’s assertion that Bad Bunny should have performed at least part of his show in English.
Now Smith claims his words have been twisted, his employers are being contacted by outraged critics, and he’s had enough of what he calls “soft-ass, irrelevant, nonproductive people” trying to take him down.
What Smith Actually Said About Bad Bunny’s Performance
Smith was largely complimentary of Bad Bunny’s halftime show. He enjoyed the performance, appreciates Spanish language and culture, and thought the entire production had great energy.
But he had one reservation.
Here’s my only reticence, you’re in the United States of America, and you perform damn-near an entire performance in Spanish. But if you didn’t understand Spanish, you were lost. And most Americans don’t understand Spanish…It was primarily in Spanish. And if most people don’t understand the lyrics because you’re speaking in what they deem to be a foreign language, that is a legitimate point the president made.
Those comments, made on his Monday SiriusXM Radio show, sparked immediate criticism across social media.
Critics accused Smith of xenophobia, cultural insensitivity, and siding with controversial political figures. Photos circulated pairing him with right-wing commentators, suggesting he was “against Bad Bunny.”
Smith Fires Back: “They Can Kiss My Ass”
During his Tuesday Mad Dog Sports Radio show, Smith unleashed a passionate defense of his original comments while attacking those he believes are deliberately misrepresenting his words.
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. One lie after another after another.
Smith expressed particular frustration that critics were contacting ESPN about comments he made on platforms he personally owns.
I honor my contracts. I’m not going away. I say stuff on my political channel or my YouTube channel. Why are folks calling ESPN? I didn’t say it on their airwaves. They have nothing to do with what I’m saying. I own this show. I own both my shows, and I own my own YouTube channel.
His message was clear: attempts to pressure his employers won’t silence him.
The Irony of Smith’s “Scorched Earth” Complaint
Smith complained about living in a society where disagreement leads people to “go scorched earth” on others “as if they committed a crime.”
Yet throughout his career, Smith has built his brand on aggressive, often harsh criticism of athletes.
His targets have included:
- Kwame Brown
- Kyrie Irving
- LeBron James
- Countless other professional athletes
The difference, according to Smith, is that critics are using “fake stuff and lies” against him rather than engaging with what he actually said.
I’m talking about people willing to use fake stuff and lies to start stuff; they can kiss my ass. I’m not here to be your friend. I speak my truth, I tell you how I feel, and then I give you the platform to express what you feel, albeit respectfully.
Smith Promises to Get Even Louder
In a surprising turn, Smith revealed he underwent major dental surgery late last year that required his tooth to be stapled to his gums.
According to Smith, he was on air for approximately a month during recovery, which forced him to be more reserved and mild-mannered than usual.
That won’t last much longer.
By about the springtime, I expect to be in the best shape of my life. Louder than ever, more outspoken than ever. More energized than ever. Y’all think I’m bad now? You wait a couple of months. You just wait. I ain’t even begun to roar.
Smith’s final message to critics was unequivocal: attempts to silence or cancel him will only make him stronger.
It’s been 30-plus years, I think I’m okay. But I’ll say it one more time, those who want to get at me by lying, refusing to contextualize me properly, and coming after me, you can kiss my ass. It’s not gonna stop me. All it does is inspire me. It makes me louder, it makes me more energetic, it makes me more fearless because I refuse to bow to your sorry asses.
What This Means for Smith’s Future
Smith appears confident that neither ESPN nor SiriusXM will take action against him for comments made on platforms outside their direct control.
He specifically mentioned Scott Greenstein, president and chief content officer of SiriusXM, suggesting there’s “no way in hell” the company would cancel him.
Smith’s ownership of his own shows and YouTube channel gives him editorial independence that insulates him from corporate pressure—at least to some degree.
As spring approaches and Smith recovers fully from his dental procedures, sports media audiences can apparently expect an even more unfiltered version of the controversial commentator.
Whether that’s something to celebrate or dread likely depends on which side of Smith’s latest controversy you find yourself.