Stephen A. Smith has effectively angered “The Navy.”
Wednesday, the “First Take” host posted a three-minute video apologizing for saying that Rihanna “ain’t no Beyonce” when addressing RiRi’s impending Super Bowl halftime performance.
Later that day, Smith remarked in a video shared on Twitter and Instagram, “I’m going to own it.” “I know what you’re trying to accomplish, but I’ll own it because I’m paid to speak professionally, so I must be more cautious.
“I want Rihanna to know that she is a superstar, sensational, spectacular, no joke, and deserving of performing at the Super Bowl halftime show.”
After shooting Wednesday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith said he became aware that his remarks against Rihanna had made headlines.
Smith stated in his apologetic video, “I am a Beyonce fan” “Beyoncé, in my opinion, is not only a wonderful performer, but the phenomenal performer. Beyonce performed at halftime of the Super Bowl not only by herself [in 2013], but also with Bruno Mars and Coldplay [in 2016] — and I thought they were two of the greatest performances I’ve ever witnessed.
Rihanna performs during the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards on January 28, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
“… I intended no disrespect toward Rihanna. She is my sister, and I am aware of her brilliance. I have nothing but adoration for her, but Beyonce is also my sister. I have affection for both of them. Beyonce is, in my opinion, the finest entertainer in existence today. That’s me, but that doesn’t imply I despise anyone else, and I’m certainly not rooting for Rihanna to fail. I believe she will do a terrific job.”
Then, Smith apologized to Rihanna and wished her luck before she performs at the Super Bowl halftime show in Arizona next month.
“Rihanna, go do your thing,” Smith remarked. “I apologize for causing whatever controversy results from this. I must exercise greater caution in situations when it is distorted and misrepresented. My apologies.”
The sports personality made his initial remarks in response to Sherri Shepherd’s question regarding his enthusiasm for Rihanna’s impending Super Bowl performance, and “The Navy” [Rihanna’s following] was not pleased with what he had to say.
“I do not wish to imply that I am not excited,” Smith stated. “She is fantastic. This is not where I intend to go with this. Ladies and gentlemen, she is many things, she is magnificent, and congrats on her new [motherhood]!
“If there’s one thing she ain’t, it’s Beyonce,” Smith added as the audience collectively exclaimed. “The only reason I mentioned Beyonce is because she recently performed at the Super Bowl… you know, there are levels.”
“Rihanna’s music is excellent, she is wonderful, and she is a sister. I adore her, I enjoy her music, and I will support her till the cows come home. From my perspective, there is Beyonce and then there is everyone else… She is going to do well. She cannot be terrible because she is too great to be bad.”
On February 12, Rihanna will perform during the Super Bowl halftime show.
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