Stephen A. Smith apologizes to Rihanna, ‘She Ain’t Beyonce’ Comment

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith apologized for comments about Super Bowl LVII halftime performer Rihanna.

Stephen appeared on “The Sherri Show,” and while discussing Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance, he commented, “She ain’t Beyoncé.”

Here is the complete transcript of Stephen’s comment on Rihanna, “Ladies and gentlemen, [Rihanna is] a lot of things. She’s spectacular, actually and congratulations on new mamahood. There’s one thing she’s not — she ain’t Beyoncé.”

Stephen A. Smith apologized to Rihanna in a video after receiving a lot of criticism.

In the video message posted on Twitter, he said, “I want Rihanna to know you’re a superstar, sensational, spectacular. You’re no joke, and you are a worthy person to be doing Super Bowl halftime show,” Smith said on Wednesday. Stephen A. clarified his words, saying he believes Beyoncé’s performance was so iconic that anyone who gets the opportunity to do the halftime show will “have to measure up to that.” “I meant it as no disrespect to Rihanna. I know she’s phenomenal, and she’s my sister. Nothing but love for her, but Beyoncé is my sister, too.”

Stephen A. concludes his apology by adding he’s excited to see Rihanna perform next month.