![\"Stephen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/919032b8c9784a6a03a7d204bb5065bb.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Photo Credit: Paul Morigi\/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Stephen A. Smith has come under fire for his latest comment pointed towards Chiney Ogwumike during Friday\u2019s edition of\u00a0First Take. Ogwumike praised NBA star Rudy Gobert, drawing a connection to her French roots.<\/p>\n
Smith interrupted to reveal that he had never dated a woman from France in his life before making a raunchy remark about Ogwumike\u2019s speech. Many took to social media to criticize Smith\u2019s joke, including calling for his firing from the show.<\/p>\n
ESPN\u2019s Stephen A. Smith flirts with Chiney Ogwumike on live TV, fans react<\/p>\n
During Friday\u2019s edition of First Take, Ogwumike, a former Los Angeles Sparks player, spoke a few kind words about Gobert in the French language. She reflected on how the NBA star comes from France and said that after hearing the language on TV, she hopes people feel represented and proud.<\/p>\n
Smith, referring to Ogwumike\u2019s take on language, interuppted to share his personal take on how he had never dated a woman from France. He said, \u201cI\u2019ve got to get a little personal for a second here, Chiney. Listen, I\u2019m leaving the life. I\u2019m pretty damn happy to say the last.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued, \u201cBut, I must admit, in all my years on this earth, I\u2019ve never dated a woman from France or anything like that, but after hearing Chiney, what have I been missing? What have I been missing?\u201d<\/p>\n
Alluding to her \u201cverbiage,\u201d Smith said that it \u201ckind of\u201d turned him on. Ogwumike appeared to be awkward as she hid her face, laughed briefly, and said, \u201ccrazy.\u201d Smith then moved on to the sports topic; however, his comments sparked massive controversy.<\/p>\n
A user wrote<\/a>, \u201cThe answer to the question about when to fire Smith has always been right now.\u201d Another one said, \u201cHarassment on live TV in 2026. Not shocking, but still infuriating.\u201d A third added, \u201cIt\u2019s also the fact that if that\u2019s what he does on live national television, imagine what he does and says when cameras aren\u2019t on.\u201d<\/p>\n Other reactions also included, \u201cHe needs to go, but they employ McAfee. Nothing will happen, unfortunately,\u201d One user wrote, \u201cI\u2019m with you. He doesn\u2019t have any redeeming qualities!,\u201d Another commented, \u201cGuarantee, he\u2019ll make an apology, and nothing will be done about it. It\u2019ll be all good.\u201d<\/p>\n Originally reported by Shazmeen Navrange on ComingSoon<\/a>.<\/p>\n The post Stephen A. Smith Slammed for \u2018Turned Me on\u2019 Comment Toward Chiney Ogwumike<\/a> appeared first on Mandatory<\/a>.<\/p>\n