Stephen A. Smith claims viewers didn’t get to see his full exchange with Cari Champion and Jemele Hill. After appearing on Champion and Hill’s Flagrant and Funny podcast, Smith said he was unhappy that the interview was edited and that YouTube comments were disabled.
“I’m not doing any more interviews on YouTube without folks agreeing to make sure that it is completely unedited,” Smith said on his Straight Shooter with Stephen A. podcast, adding that he also wants “a video copy” of future interviews. The conversation touched on deeper issues around representation and how Stephen A. Smith engages with Black women in media spaces.
Smith said he believed his team had been promised the full conversation would be released. “I want that interview in its entirety put up for everybody to see, showing what was cut out,” said the sports commentator. He emphasized the importance of transparency in these kinds of conversations, especially when they involve serious discussions about respect and accountability.
The lengthy exchange followed months of public back-and-forth between the former ESPN colleagues. Smith said Champion and Hill’s team told him the editing issue was a production mistake and that comments on part two were disabled after “extremely abusive and threatening comments” appeared on part one.
Champion later responded directly on Instagram Story. “Stephen A., thanks for coming on Flagrant and Funny,” she said. “You’re right. I should have said thank you.” The response suggested an effort toward resolution and mutual respect moving forward.
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