Overview
- The National Association of Black Journalists presented Smith with a Thumbs Down at its Salute to Excellence gala in Atlanta on Saturday night, citing a “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women.”
- NABJ defined the Thumbs Down as a sanction for especially insensitive or stereotypical reporting and said Smith’s remarks undermine fair and respectful representation of Black women.
- The organization did not list specific comments in its citation, leaving the claim of a pattern without public examples and prompting questions about the evidence behind the rebuke.
- Smith posted on X late Saturday that he would respond publicly, saying the group had “started something” and warning that he would explain his side, and several sports and social accounts reacted strongly to both the award and his post.
- The move marks a shift after prior cordial ties between Smith/ESPN and NABJ, and it could raise new reputational and corporate questions for Smith and Disney given past incidents such as his 2025 exchange with Rep. Jasmine Crockett and his increased political commentary.