Stephen A. Smith Dismisses Angry Critics Over Rihanna Vs. Beyonce Comments

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2020 NBA All-Star - Celebrity Game Presented By Ruffles
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 14: Head coach Stephen A. Smith of Team Stephen A. looks on before the 2020 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Presented By Ruffles at Wintrust Arena on February 14, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
He made his preference clear and addressed allegations that he was just pitting two Black women against one another.

After voicing his opinion about this year's Super Bowl halftime show, Stephen A. Smith is once again talking about Rihanna and Beyoncé. Recently, Smith incurred the wrath of Rihanna's fans when he visited Sherri and compared the Fenty star to Bey.

"Ladies and gentlemen, she's a lot of things," Smith said as he referenced Rihanna. "She's spectacular, actually. And congratulations on new mamahood." He added, "There's one thing she's not: she ain't Beyoncé."

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Talks Halftime Show: Rihanna “Ain’t Beyoncé”

The backlash was swift, and Smith soon issued a public apology of sorts to Rihanna.

“I meant it as no disrespect to Rihanna. I know she’s phenomenal, and she’s my sister," he further shared. "Nothing but love for her, but Beyoncé is my sister, too.”

The public accused Smith of unnecessarily pitting the two stars—and their fanbases—against each other. He answered his critics while on The Breakfast Club.

"I think that Beyoncé might be the greatest female performer of all time," said Smith. "That's how I feel about her."

Gucci And Roc Nation Pre-GRAMMY Brunch
Singers Beyonce (L) and Rihanna attend the Gucci and Roc Nation Pre-GRAMMY brunch held at Soho House on February 12, 2011 in West Hollywood, California.
Read More: Stephen A. Smith Clarifies Opinion On Beyoncé & Rihanna

"I think Rihanna's fantastic. Now, you agree, fine. You disagree? Fine. How we get to the point, 'Why he gotta pit two Black women...' Really?! I just can't be a fan of both? But I prefer Beyoncé over Rihanna. That's a crime! I didn't know that."

Charlamagne Tha God brought up Smith previously getting into trouble for comparing Ayesha Curry and Savannah James. The ladies are the wives of NBA stars Steph Curry and LeBron James, respectively.

Smith had an answer for that, as well. Check out what he had to say in the clip above.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.