Stephen A. Smith Accuses NABJ of 'Personal Hit Job': 'Folks Are Scared'
NABJ issued its most Thumbs Down Awards ever, citing a pattern of comments it said were harmful to Black journalists and public accountability.
- The National Association of Black Journalists presented ESPN host Stephen A. Smith with a Thumbs Down Award on Saturday in Atlanta, citing a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media.
- NABJ President Errin Haines described the honor, issued 44 times since inception, as a tool to hold public figures accountable when actions harm Black journalists; the organization also recognized CBS News and The Washington Post.
- On Monday, Smith pushed back against the decision, calling it a "personal hit job" and insisting he was raised by Black women, arguing the critique stems from his independent political views rather than disrespect for women of color.
- President Haines stated the organization remains open to meaningful engagement, though Smith claimed board members did not reach out; he invited Haines to discuss the award publicly while she preferred private conversation.
- Despite the tension, Smith urged continued support for the NABJ as he prepares for induction into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame next month, while the organization continues its 51-year mission defending press freedom and Black journalists.
36 Articles
36 Articles
"She Actively Roots For Your Demise": Jemele Hill Questions Why Stephen A. Smith Doesn't Attack Michelle Beadle, Donald Trump Amid NABJ Controversy
Stephen A. Smith was awarded the Thumbs Down Award by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) on Saturday, prompting a fiery response from the analyst.
“A Smear Job”: Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Forces Behind His “Thumbs Down” Award From National Association of Black Journalists
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, a 33-year journalism veteran, is now trading barbs with the very organization that once celebrated him. His latest target is the National Association of Black Journalists. Smith is accusing the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) of orchestrating a smear campaign after the group gave him its “Thumbs Down” award at its Atlanta convention. And he did not hold back when addressing the backlash on his Stra…
Stephen A. Smith Takes NABJ Fight to Fox News: 'That is a Flat-Out Lie' | WATCH | EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More
Sean Hannitty and Stephen A Smith – screenshot *ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith is fighting back after the National Association of Black Journalists accused him of a “recurring public pattern” of disparaging prominent Black women — and he took his defense to Fox News, telling Sean Hannity that NABJ‘s central allegation against him is simply untrue. “I find it highly offensive that they would label me in this way — give me a Thumbs Down Award s…
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