“I misspoke”: ESPN broadcaster Monica McNutt responds after facing backlash over Taylor Swift comment at NBA Finals game 4

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Monica McNutt apologizes to Taylor Swift after Knicks comment - Image Source: Getty

ESPN broadcaster, Monica McNutt says sorry to Taylor Swift. McNutt's apology comes after she criticized the singer at the 4th game of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night. When McNutt found the popstar sitting among a celebrity-filled crowd which also included Timothee Chalamet, Larry David and Ben Stiller, McNutt questioned Swift's fandom,

"Is that Taylor Swift? She's not a Knicks fan. Get out of here girl."

After McNutt's comments went viral, TMZ shared a video in which she can be seen apologizing to the singer. McNutt mentioned that she didn't know Swift was a longtime Knicks fan,

"Swifties, I appreciate your passion. I said what I said and here's the deal, if I'm wrong — and I am wrong apparently because we've got an OG Amar'e Stoudemire jersey."

McNutt was referring to an old photo in which Swift posed with ex-Knicks stars Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony while wearing Stoudemire’s jersey. McNutt went on to add,

"I misspoke. I did not know, but here's the deal. I literally just did a piece on celebrity row, I know these folks. I had not seen her here, this year or last year, and we just saw her with her fiancé. Obviously, Travis supports the Cavs, but she didn't have on any Knicks paraphernalia, so I did not know her Knicks loyalty, but shout out to T-Swift we can be united in orange and blue. I apologize."

More about Taylor Swift being a Knicks fan

Monica McNutt received backlash from Taylor Swift's fandom with many fans pointing out that Swift has been known for publicly cheering the Knicks for a long time. In 2014, Taylor told TIME Magazine that she's loved the team since performing at a halftime kids talent competition when she was 12 or 13 and developed a friendship with then-Knicks star Amar'e Stoudemire.

Swift has earlier been spotted attending several of Knicks' games. In October 2014, Swift attended Knicks vs. Bulls game. Taylor's fiance Travis Kelce has also reacted to her fandom. In May, he said,

"Not a lot of teams have been able to get Taylor to wear a jersey, and the Knicks did. Tay's got a lot of New York ties. When it came down to going to the Cavs game, she was like, 'Oh nice, they're playing the Knics, sweet! I've seen them play before. It was fun!"

Swift was seen attending the recent game with her close friends Este and Alana Haim. She was also seen interacting with Mariska Hargitay and Kylie Jenner.

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Edited by Soujanya Shapur