Stephen A. Smith claimed Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, was too focused on performative politics. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Smith said in the latest episode of his "Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith" podcast that he faced intense backlash from Black commentators in the days after his comments, with some accusing him of being "disrespectful" of 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. But yet here we are, and the word ‘disrespect’ comes in and people try to engage with words, you know, like ‘disrespect’ and ‘implying misogyny’ and all of this other nonsense. Stop it. Stop it. Can we be grown-ups and deal with what the real issue is involving what I said?"
Stephen A. Smith called out podcaster Willie D and Black Lives Matter activist Tamika Mallory's comments specifically. (Rob Kim/Getty Images)
Smith shared some comments he saw, such as podcaster Willie D calling his comments a "betrayal" of Crockett. He was particularly incensed over Black Lives Matter activist Tamika Mallory, who claimed he "disrespected a powerful Black woman," called his comments "dangerous" and told people to "turn him off."
"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?"
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He insisted that he has no desire to vote Republican, saying he wants the Media
