Stephen A. Smith Revisits Ayesha Curry 'Mansplaining’ Backlash While Defending Stephen Curry’s Family From Fresh Criticism

Stephen A. Smith addresses his past comments about Ayesha Curry while defending the Curry family.© NDTV GALLERY

Stephen A. Smith has explained why he chose not to criticise Ayesha Curry over her first leading film role in Second Chance Holiday. Speaking on his YouTube show, Smith said his respect for Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry stopped him from making negative comments about his wife. However, he also brought up his own criticism of Ayesha during the 2016 NBA Finals and admitted that his remarks had caused a major backlash. His comments come after Stephen publicly defended Ayesha against criticism from former NBA players and sports commentators over her acting career.

Stephen A. Smith Explains Why He Stayed Away From Ayesha Curry Criticism

“There are certain people who come along in life that are just so incredibly special as human beings that they should be taken into consideration when you say anything about their family. Steph Curry's one of those people. I'm not getting into specifics. I never watched his wife on the Roku show or anything like that. I don't know. I had no comments about it. But even if I saw something, I wasn't going to comment. Not in a critical fashion because the first thought that would enter my mind is him.”

Smith also praised Ayesha and explained why he did not want to repeat the criticism he faced in 2016. He then recalled the argument that had put him in trouble.

Stephen A. Smith Revisits Ayesha Curry's 2016 NBA Finals Controversy

During Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals, Stephen Curry was ejected after throwing his mouth guard into the stands following his sixth foul. After the incident, Ayesha posted on Twitter: “I've lost all respect sorry this is absolutely rigged for money... Or ratings in not sure which. I won't be silent. Just saw it live sry.” She later deleted the post.

The following morning, Smith and Skip Bayless criticised her on ESPN's First Take. Smith argued that her public reaction could distract her husband during the championship series. Ayesha responded directly to him, writing, “@stephenasmith why are you putting two women against each other like that? You're the one that's out of pocket.”

Smith explained his position by comparing Ayesha's situation with Bill Clinton's role during Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.

“And I remember that I got in some trouble because people took that the wrong way. I wasn't saying a negative word about Steph Curry or her on a personal level. I'm just saying that you're an extension of him. What I should have added is at the time Hillary Rodham Clinton was running for the presidency of the United States of America, and Bill Clinton should be careful to make sure not to do anything that would distract attention away from her or bring any kind of negativity in her direction because she's running for the presidency. It wasn't a gender thing. I'm simply saying to that person that's in the public eye, loved ones should safeguard them.”

Smith also praised Gilbert Arenas, Nick Young and Emmanuel Acho for responding to Stephen Curry's recent criticism. Young and Acho apologised, while Arenas offered a more qualified apology. Smith ended his comments by calling Stephen a class act and describing Ayesha as a wonderful woman.