In the midst of criticism aimed at pop sensation Taylor Swift for allegedly hampering Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s performance,

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has stepped forward to defend the Grammy-winning artist.

Swift, 34, has been a familiar presence at several of Kelce’s games this season, drawing significant attention from fans and the media alike.

Recent struggles by the Chiefs prompted some to point fingers at Swift, with Fox Sports analyst Skip Bayless even going as far as labeling her a distraction to the reigning Super Bowl champions.

The controversy reached a peak after the Chiefs’ defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Day.

Swift also found herself at the center of a distasteful joke made by Golden Globes host Joe Koy on Sunday night.

However, Smith, a prominent figure on ESPN’s First Take, dismissed the accusations against Swift in a recent episode. “I have to take a moment to come to the defense of Taylor Swift,” Smith asserted. “Everybody’s sitting up there and acting like she’s some kind of impediment, and excuse me, she did her job. That ‘Fearless’ tour was off the chain, generated billions. She’s going to support her dude, show up at a football game, and the cameras are on her. That ain’t her fault.”

Smith emphasized that Swift attended the games after her concerts, rejecting the notion that she used the games to boost her concert attendance. “Those kids were going to her concerts whether the NFL was promoting her or not. Taylor Swift is that girl; let’s show some respect. She probably is going to have a positive impact on Travis Kelce’s performance,” he added.

The ESPN host wasn’t the only one to defend Swift, as criticism from others, including Outkick founder Clay Travis, was met with derision from NFL fans and Swift’s own supporters. Despite the controversy, the Chiefs managed to clinch the AFC West Division title, securing their spot in the postseason.

As the Chiefs prepare to face the Miami Dolphins in the wildcard round on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium, it remains clear that the team’s challenges lie on the field, not in the stands. The debate around Swift’s supposed influence on Kelce’s game appears to be a distraction from the real issues the Chiefs need to address to succeed in the playoffs.