Stephen A. Smith Declares He ‘Ain’t Changing’ During Panel Confrontation Over Criticism of Black Women

Stephen A. Smith made clear that he was undeterred by the accusation from the National Association of Black Journalists that he specifically disparages Black women.

Smith appeared on Friday’s episode of The Culture Table with co-hosts Tori Cooper, Sumatra Abernathy, and Ashley Christopher. The conversation largely revolved around Smith’s feud with the NABJ and the narrative that his harshest criticisms are often reserved for Black women.

Near the end of the episode, Cooper asked Smith if he “hears what people are saying,” essentially asking if he could at least understand where his critics were coming from. Although he acknowledged that he did understand, he said it wouldn’t change him.

“Yeah, I hear them,” Smith said. “I hear them. But you will not change me. Let me explain. I’m a hell-raiser. That’s who the hell I am.”

Abernathy agreed with Smith, adding, “I don’t think you should change a damn thing.”

“The same black people that want to moan about the sh*t that I say,” Smith continued, “if I did what they’re suggesting, they’d lose their damn minds because they would say it’s not authentic.”

Moments later, Smith highlighted the Black women in his professional and personal life and insisted he’s “loved black women all my life.”

“Everything that I am that’s good about me is because of a black woman,” Smith said. “My appreciation will never fade. I will always look out. But here’s the thing: Sometimes you look out by telling the damn truth. It ain’t with pacification. I’m not that dude. I ain’t gonna be that dude, I’ve never been that dude, and I’d be damned if I’m gonna be that dude now. I’m Stephen A. This is who I am, and I ain’t changing.”

Smith’s critics have repeatedly accused him of crossing the line when it comes to his comments on prominent Black woman. In October, for example, Smith attacked Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) for the rhetoric she used against her opponents, and claimed it was “for the streets.”

Amid a wave of backlash, he apologized days later.

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