Commentator Accuses Stephen A. Smith of Denigrating Black Women
Stephen A. Smith is facing criticism once again for his statements and perspective regarding Black women. In a recent episode of “Naked Sports” featuring sports broadcaster Cari Champion, Joy Reid, a fellow media figure, challenged Smith’s comments about her departure from MSNBC.
Controversial Remarks and Accusations
During the discussion, Reid strongly criticized Smith for his tendency to demean Black individuals, particularly Black women. She remarked, “They’re paying you, not for your number, my friend. They’re paying you because you are willing to say the nasty things about Black people that they want to say.” Reid emphasized that Smith’s remarks create a harmful narrative that applies to the broader media landscape.
Reid’s Key Points
- Reid accused Smith of promoting the denigration of Black women for entertainment.
- She asserted that his financial rewards stem from his willingness to compromise his integrity.
- Reid contested Smith’s claims regarding his show’s ratings and success.
Ratings Discussion and Financial Compensation
In her critique, Reid highlighted the disparity in their respective viewership. She noted that Smith earns $100 million for a program that attracted significantly fewer viewers than her time at MSNBC. Reid said, “I had to literally Google his numbers. I’m like, ‘How many people listen to his show? Is it like four million?’ Dude, that’s like average CNN. That’s not that high.”
Smith’s Recent Controversies
This latest incident adds to a series of controversies for Smith, who has faced scrutiny from various figures in the media. In the past few weeks, he has defended himself against criticism from his former “First Take” co-host Max Kellerman, as well as Dan Le Batard and Jason Whitlock.
The ongoing conversations surrounding Stephen A. Smith illuminate significant discussions regarding race, representation, and the perceived responsibilities of media personalities. As the dialogue continues, the focus on how public figures communicate about Black women will remain a critical issue.
