Stephen A. Smith is pushing back forcefully against the National Association of Black Journalists after the organization gave the ESPN personality its “Thumbs Down” award over what it described as a pattern of disparaging commentary about prominent Black women.
Smith called the award a political and “personal hit job” and rejected NABJ’s characterization of his commentary. He then took his defense to Sean Hannity’s Fox News program, a decision that brought another wave of criticism and intensified the dispute.
NABJ presented Smith with the award during its annual convention in Atlanta, citing his commentary about Black women in politics, sports, and media. NABJ President Errin Haines pointed to his criticism of figures including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, tennis icon Serena Williams, and journalist Joy-Ann Reid as part of what the organization considers a broader pattern.
Smith responded by arguing that NABJ had misrepresented his record and unfairly portrayed political criticism as hostility toward Black women. He has emphasized the role Black women have played throughout his life and career and said the suggestion that he routinely disparages them is false.
Smith also questioned NABJ’s handling of the award and said the organization should have engaged with him before publicly condemning him. He nevertheless encouraged his audience to continue supporting NABJ.
The controversy took another turn when Smith appeared on “Hannity” to discuss the award. Smith called NABJ’s allegation that he disparages Black women a “flat out lie,” while Hannity defended Smith and suggested he was being attacked because he had criticized prominent liberals.
Smith’s choice to take his grievance to Hannity drew scrutiny because Hannity has himself faced criticism over his rhetoric about Black public figures, including women. During Smith’s appearance, Hannity singled out Crockett and Reid while arguing that Smith should be free to criticize them. The Los Angeles Times reported that Hannity has frequently denounced Black politicians and people of color.
The appearance also raised questions about why Smith chose Hannity’s program as the venue to challenge an organization representing Black journalists.
NABJ maintains that its objection is not to Smith criticizing Black women but to what it sees as the frequency, tone, and cumulative impact of his remarks.
