Stephen A. Smith clarified an earlier statement while talking about Rihanna at the Super Bowl.
When asked what he thought about her performing, he said, “There’s one thing she’s not: she ain’t Beyonce.”
He later explained he meant no disrespect to Rihanna and that she is his “sister” and said that Beyonce was his “sister too.”
He apologized for the statement and said he would be more careful with his words in the future.
He said, “I want Rihanna to know you’re a superstar, you’re sensational, you’re spectacular. You’re no joke, and you are a worthy person to be doing Super Bowl halftime show.”
He added, “I just think that Beyonce is the greatest performer out there today. That’s me. That doesn’t mean I’m hating on anybody else.” ‘
Continuing, “Michael Jackson could still be alive and I would say, ‘It’s gotta measure up to that …’
Stephen A. Smith concluded with an apology to Rihanna.
Apologies to Rihanna for my words, gotta be more careful! pic.twitter.com/RLcsaQAJ4v
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 18, 2023
