Stephen A. Smith is officially angry at the “Navy”.
The ‘First Take’ host posted a three-minute apology video after saying Rihanna is “not Beyoncé” while discussing RiRi’s upcoming halftime performance at the Super Bowl On “Sherry” Wednesday.
“I’ll own it” Smith said In a video posted to Twitter and Instagram later that day. “I know what you’re all trying to do, but I’m going to own it because I get paid to talk for a living, so I need to be extra careful.
“I want Rihanna to know, you’re a superstar, you’re sexy, you’re amazing, you’re no joke and you’re someone who deserves to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show.”
Smith said he noticed he made headlines for his comments about Rihanna after he finished taping Wednesday’s segment of ESPN’s “First Take.”
In his apology video, Smith said, “…I’m a Beyoncé fan.” “I think Beyoncé is not only an amazing actress, however the Exceptional performance. The only reason any kind of comparison comes up is because Beyoncé performed at halftime at the Super Bowl, and not just by herself. [in 2013]but one separate performance with Bruno Mars and Coldplay [in 2016] – and I thought they were two of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen.
“…I meant it as disrespect for Rihanna. I know she’s amazing and she’s my sister. Nothing but love for her, but Beyoncé is my sister too. I got love for both of them. I just think Beyoncé is the greatest artist today. That’s me, that doesn’t mean I’m I hate everyone else and that doesn’t mean I’m okay with it. I hope Rihanna fails. I think she’d be great.”
Smith then apologized to Rihanna and wished her well before she takes the halftime stage at next month’s Super Bowl in Arizona.
“Rihanna, go do whatever you want,” said Smith. “I apologize for creating any hype that results in this. I have to be more careful, people are turning it around and turning it into something it’s not. My bad is.”
the sports figure He made his initial comments when he asked Sherry Shepherd if he was excited about Rihanna’s upcoming Super Bowl gig — and “The Navy” [Rihanna’s fanbase] He wasn’t happy with what he said.
“I don’t want to say I’m unenthusiastic,” said Smith. “She’s great. That’s not where I’m going with this. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s so many things. It’s amazing and congrats on the new [motherhood].
“One thing she didn’t do, she’s not Beyoncé,” Smith said as the audience gasped en masse. “The only reason I brought up Beyoncé is because Beyoncé recently performed at the Super Bowl… There are levels, you know.
“Rihanna’s music is great, she’s great, she’s a sister. I love her so much, I listen to her music, I’ll support her until the cows come home. I’m just telling you for me, there’s Beyoncé and then there’s everyone else… She’s going to be good. She can’t be Bad, it’s too great to be good.”
Rihanna will take the stage to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 12.