Knicks guard Tyler Kolek says he answered a Taylor Swift question "in the wrong way"
New York Knicks point guard Tyler Kolek said on Saturday, 7 November, that he answered a fan question "in the wrong way." The question concerned Taylor Swift, whom he had named among the least authentic Knicks fans.
The comments came in a clip from a livestream on TikTok, the short-video app. Kolek and guard Miles "Deuce" McBride were asked who the least authentic Knicks fans were. Kolek said "Maybe Taylor," and McBride replied, "I would agree." Kolek had also called Swift's attendance at games "very performative," adding that attendees "just want to be seen at the game."
On Saturday, Kolek said he had not been keeping up with Swift's time at Knicks games. He said he had only seen photos of her at games, including one in a No. 13 jersey. He said he takes the criticism "on the chin," loves her music, and had been singing every word of her songs only minutes earlier.
Shooting guard Jordan Clarkson posted on Instagram Stories on Saturday that Kolek apologised for the Swift comments. He also shared locker-room footage of Kolek singing "Blank Space," a song from Swift's 1989 album. The clip followed the Knicks' 109-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers that day.
Swift songs were played in the Knicks locker room after that win and after Friday's practice, including "Shake It Off" and "You Belong With Me." "Blank Space" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the weekly chart that ranks the most popular songs in the United States.
An NBA spokesperson told Billboard that Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years and has a long history with Madison Square Garden, the arena where the team plays. Swift attended Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, sitting in celebrity row, the section for famous guests. She was with Mariska Hargitay and with Este and Alana Haim, who wore custom Knicks T-shirts.
For fans, the exchange was a brief joke that turned into a public apology within a day. Kolek's own words and his teammate's post now sit side by side, and the Knicks' locker-room playlist has become part of the story.
