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Stephen A. Smith slammed "immature" and "shameful" critics trying to "cancel" him over recent remarks about Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas).
Earlier this month, Smith questioned Crockett’s approach to politics, saying she was more focused on attacking President Donald Trump than helping her constituents.
“[H]ow Jasmine Crockett chooses to express herself, I'm like, ‘Is that going to help your district in Texas?’” Smith previously said. “Aren't you there to find a way to get stuff done, as opposed to just being an impediment to what Trump wants? How much work goes into that?”
On the latest episode of his "Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith," the ESPN personality addressed the backlash from Black commentators who accused him of being disrespectful toward Crockett.
"I have nothing but respect for her," Smith said. "I just disagree on what she's making headlines for because I think it's counterproductive to the ultimate goal."
Smith went on to call out Black Lives Matter activist Tamika Mallory, who said he “disrespected a powerful Black woman” with his "dangerous" comments and podcaster Willie D, who called his remarks a "betrayal."
"You want me canceled because I asked a question," Smith said. “Jasmine Crockett, how is that going to work for you and get your constituency?”
The First Take host also rejected criticism linking his comments to misogyny.
“Stop it. Stop it. Can we be grown-ups and deal with what the real issue is involving what I said?” he said.
Smith noted that he has "no desire to vote Republican" and hopes that Democrats regain power in 2028.
“Everybody has their thoughts and opinions, and I get that. But to call for a rally for me to be canceled, that's shameful. It's immature,” he said. “Bad news: Not only do I have the platform that I have, I have more coming.”
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