Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM/Emma McIntyre/Getty Imagesfor Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 presented by Prime Video
Stephen A. Smith is owning up to his remarks and issuing an apology to Rihanna regarding his comments about her upcoming Super Bowl Halftime performance.
Smith took to his social media accounts Wednesday evening to issue a video apology to Rihanna for his comments. On both Twitter and Instagram, Smith captioned his video with a few words.
Apologies to Rihanna for my words, gotta be more careful!
In the clip, Smith explained that he is going to “own” his words, referring to his comment that Rihanna “ain’t Beyoncé.” He added that he “needs to be more careful” with his words as well.
I want Rihanna to know, you’re a superstar. You’re sensational. You’re spectacular. You’re no joke. And you’re a worthy person to be doing the Super Bowl halftime show.
Smith went on to explain that he is indeed a Beyoncé and believes that she is “not only a phenomenal performer but the phenomenal performer.” He added that Beyoncé performed not only by herself at previous Super Bowls, but also alongside Bruno Mars and Coldplay. And he believes those two performances were the “greatest shows” he’s “ever seen.”
Smith believes that “anybody has to measure up to that” — including Eminem, Michael Jackson, and other performers.
I meant it as no disrespect to Rihanna, I know she’s phenomenal. And she’s my sister — nothing but love for her. But Beyonce is my sister too, I got love for both of them. I just think Beyoncé is the greatest performer out there today — that’s me! That doesn’t mean I’m hating on anybody else. That doesn’t mean I’m wishing for Rihanna to fail. I don’t believe she’s going to fail. She’s going to be great! I’m just saying that I’m a Beyoncé fan – that’s all.
Smith ended the video by reiterating that he’s sending an apology and that in the future he’ll “be more careful.”
Soon after posting his video apology, Smith took to Twitter to address a “horrific mistake.” He explained that “an overzealous member” of his management team also posted a tweet with comments about Rihanna that he “would NEVER say.”
He, again, apologized to the “SOS” singer.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Smith was a guest on SHERRI early Wednesday. And was asked about his feelings ahead of Rihanna’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance. Smith proceeded to explain that the singer isn’t Beyoncé.
I don’t want to say that I’m not excited — she’s fantastic. That’s not where I’m going with this. Ladies and gentlemen, she’s a lot of things. She’s spectacular, actually — And congratulations on new momma-hood… There’s one thing she’s not! She ain’t Beyoncé… Rihanna’s music is fantastic. She’s great. She’s a sister. I love her dearly, I listen to her music, I’m gonna support her ’til the cows come home. I’m just telling you, for me, there’s Beyoncé and there’s everybody else. Just like there’s Michael Jackson and there’s everybody else.
Roommates, what are your thoughts about this ordeal?
