Overview

• On Oct. 9, Alexis Ohanian confronted Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take about Smith’s February remarks on Serena Williams’ halftime cameo.
• Ohanian, in studio with Smith appearing remotely, questioned Smith’s qualifications to offer marital advice, and host MJ Acosta-Ruiz ended the exchange.
• Smith’s February reaction included the line that a wife “trolling her ex” should “go back to his ass,” which he described at the time as a “man’s perspective.”
• Addressing the moment on The Stephen A. Smith Show, he said he meant no disrespect to Ohanian, cited a prior speaking engagement for his remote spot, and vowed a more respectful framing of his point.
• The episode triggered broader commentary, with former NBA player Stephen Jackson criticizing Smith for using different tones with different public figures.