Stephen A. Smith says prominent Democrats have ignored repeated invitations to appear on his show. His latest comments come 11 days after the National Association of Black Journalists gave him a “Thumbs Down” award.
What We Know: Smith addressed the issue in a YouTube video while discussing the ongoing fallout from his dispute with the NABJ. The organization presented Smith with its annual “Thumbs Down” award during its convention in Atlanta on Aug. 15. NABJ cited what it called a recurring pattern of disparaging commentary toward prominent Black women in politics, sports, and media. Smith has rejected that characterization and argued the organization treated him unfairly. Now, he says several prominent Democrats have also avoided public conversations with him. His list includes former Vice President Kamala Harris, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, former first lady Michelle Obama, Don Lemon, and NABJ President Errin Haines.
What They Said: “I’ve invited Don Lemon on this show. Don Lemon wants to talk privately first, but he said a whole bunch of things publicly. President Errin Haines for NABJ — I’ve invited her on the show! She wants to talk privately after she spoke publicly. I’ve invited Jasmine Crockett on the show — crickets. I ain’t hear a word. I’ve invited Kamala Harris on the show — crickets. I ain’t hear a word — publicly. Privately, Kamala Harris and I already met face-to-face over a year ago. Two hours. Nobody brings that up. Michelle Obama has been invited on this show. Haven’t heard a word. Cari Champion and Jemele Hill have been invited on this show. I ain’t got no problems. Ladies and gentlemen … I really don’t have time for hatred in my heart. I certainly don’t hate any of these women. I’ve got nothing but love for them.” -Stephen A. Smith
What Remains Unclear: Smith didn’t explain when he extended each invitation or whether any of the figures have formally declined to appear. Additionally, some of the names he mentioned have publicly discussed Smith or the NABJ controversy elsewhere. Don Lemon, for example, recently discussed Smith’s dispute with Jemele Hill on The Don Lemon Show.
What It Means: Smith’s latest comments further position his show as a venue where he wants political figures to defend their views publicly. Meanwhile, his criticism adds another layer to a dispute that has quickly expanded beyond sports media and into politics, journalism, and Black media representation.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.