Home » Sports » NBA » New York Knicks

Tyler Kolek’s Girlfriend Forced to Damage Control After Knicks Star’s Taylor Swift Apology Falls to Deaf Ears

Tyler Kolek might have underestimated just how seriously Swifties would defend Taylor Swift’s Knicks fandom. What began as a seemingly harmless answer during an NBA 2K livestream has turned into an inescapable scenario for the Knicks guard. After questioning Swift’s…

By Pranay Mukherjee · Essentially Sports

Published: Monday, 9 November 2026 at 8:55 PM

Key Things to Know

Lexi Sousa defended boyfriend Tyler Kolek after his apology to Taylor Swift fans faced backlash.
Sousa revealed on Instagram that the New York Knicks guard previously attended Swift's Eras Tour.
Kolek had sparked criticism during a livestream by calling Swift a 'performative' celebrity Knicks fan.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tyler Kolek's girlfriend, Lexi Sousa, stepped in to defend the New York Knicks guard after his apology to Taylor Swift fans faced continued backlash. Kolek had sparked controversy during an NBA 2K livestream by labeling Swift a "performative" Knicks fan, prompting criticism from fans and a supportive statement from the franchise.

Sousa revealed on Instagram that Kolek had previously attended Swift's Eras Tour to prove his genuine fandom. Following New York's 109-97 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kolek apologized publicly, admitted he was unaware of Swift's history with the team, and was later seen singing her music in the locker room.

Read the full article on Essentially Sports