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Stephen A. Smith is never one to back down from a public conversation, especially when his name and platform are on the receiving end of criticism. The outspoken ESPN host recently admitted he felt “a little salty” after former First Lady Michelle Obama compared his network’s programming to the Real Housewives of Atlanta during a recent interview.
Michelle Obama’s original remark drew laughs but also sparked chatter online. “Some of y’all sit around watching ESPN for an hour, it’s basically the Real Housewives of Atlanta, just with sports,” she said, critiquing how many Americans consume emotionally driven media, however, Smith, the face of First Take and a longtime sports analyst, didn’t take the comparison lightly.
“Yeah, I’m a little salty,” Smith admitted during his own show the following day. “With all due respect to the former First Lady, I take pride in what we do at ESPN, especially on First Take. We don’t just scream for ratings. We debate, we analyze, we inform. Comparing us to a reality show about drama and chaos? That’s a low blow.”
Smith didn’t stop there, he also called out Obama for her recent remarks on men who didn’t support Kamala Harris, President Biden’s Vice President, during the last election. Michelle had criticized male voters who she believed turned their backs on Harris because of gender or personal bias, rather than qualifications.
“Let’s not act like people don’t have the right to question their leaders, regardless of gender,” Smith said. “I’ve been a vocal supporter of Black excellence, but that doesn’t mean we have to co-sign everything someone says or does just because of who they are. That includes Kamala Harris.”
Smith reiterated that while he respects Michelle Obama and the work she’s done, her recent commentary felt out of touch and unfair to both sports journalism and male voters who may have had legitimate concerns. “I love Michelle Obama. But if she’s going to throw shade, we’re allowed to respond,” he said, closing the segment.