ESPN HOST STEPHEN A. SMITH SAYS HE RECEIVED THREATS AFTER REVEALING SERENA WILLIAMS’S “DISGUSTING” BEHAVIOR, BUT HE STANDS BY HIS DECISION TO SPEAK OUT

In a shocking revelation, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith claims he has been the target of threats after airing his controversial views about tennis legend Serena Williams. Smith recently described Williams’s behavior as “disgusting” in a segment that has triggered intense backlash across social media.

Would America Vote for 'President Stephen A. Smith'? - Yahoo Sports

Despite the threats and growing criticism, Smith remains defiant, insisting he has no regrets about speaking out. “I’m not afraid to speak the truth, no matter the consequences,” Smith stated. “If people are upset, that’s on them. The truth needs to be told.”

His comments have sparked a firestorm of debate, with some defending his right to free speech while others accuse him of unfairly targeting one of the most celebrated athletes of all time. As tensions rise, all eyes are on how this controversy will unfold in the days ahead.

Stephen A. Smith for President? Sports anchor keeps door open for presidential runIn a twist no one could have predicted—except maybe Stephen A. Smith himself—the loudest voice in sports commentary has stirred the pot once again by calling Serena Williams’s behavior “disgusting” live on air.

Yes, you heard that right. While most of the world still regards Serena as a tennis icon and global role model, Stephen A. looked straight into the camera and declared:

“I don’t care if she’s got 23 Grand Slam titles. That behavior? DISGUSTING.”

Moments later, the internet exploded. Fans rallied, memes flooded the timeline, and one Twitter user claimed they’d be sending Smith a carbon-fiber racket… wrapped around his neck.

🎤 But did Stephen back down? Of course not.

In a fiery follow-up statement (possibly typed mid-rant), he announced:

“I’m not afraid to speak the truth. If people are upset, that’s on them. I’ve got a right to call it like I see it—even if someone wants to serve me a beatdown.”

Social media split instantly:

  • One camp praised him for his “raw honesty,” calling it “refreshing,”

  • The other is currently petitioning for ESPN to send Smith on indefinite vacation and enroll him in a “how to criticize without insulting national treasures” course.

📱 Hashtags like #FreeSpeechOrFreeShade and #ProtectSerena shot up the trending charts within hours.
ESPN refused to comment officially, though one anonymous producer was overheard saying:

“We really should’ve cut the feed after he said ‘dis—’”

As for Serena? She’s remained silent, though rumors suggest she may respond with a 127-mph serve—aimed squarely at the “First Take” studio.

One thing’s for sure: if drama were an Olympic sport, Stephen A. just made the finals.