Stephen A. Smith is responding to the backlash after comments he made about the fatal Minnesota ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good went viral.
The ESPN personality addressed the controversy on his self-titled show, pushing back on accusations that he condoned the shooting.
“The headline was misleading,” said Smith, referring to coverage that highlighted his use of the phrase “completely justified.”
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Good attempted to ram agents with her vehicle, calling the act “domestic terrorism.” However, video footage circulating online appears to show Good turning her car away from the agent rather than toward him.
Smith said that the description ignored the overall context of his argument. “I’m talking about legality when I’m talking about justification, nothing else,” he explained. “Everything else about it is wrong. Morally and ethically wrong.”
Smith added that he believes some political groups are attempting to mischaracterize his stance. “They’re trying to paint a picture that I agree with their ideals. I don’t agree with them,” he said, adding, “Thank God I got my own platforms to address bulls–t like this.”
His original comments centered on whether the ICE agent involved would face prosecution. Smith said that from a legal standpoint, he did not expect charges. “From a humanitarian perspective, why did you have to do that?” he asked, suggesting alternative actions could have been taken.