"Don't you know this person?" Introduced like a regular person even in front of a global pop star... Fans furious at NBA broadcast team

*This content was translated by AI.

Criticism poured out at the US basketball (NBA) broadcast team that failed to call out the name of global pop star Taylor Swift (37).

The US New York Post reported on the 25th (Korean time) that "the ESPN broadcast team strangely did not mention Taylor Swift's name during the game between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers," adding that "ESPN has accidentally declared war on Swift's fans."

Here is what happened. Taylor Swift and her boyfriend Travis Kelso (37, Kansas City Chiefs) visited the Rocket Arena in Lockett, Ohio, where the playoff game between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers was held. Kelso is a star player representing the US National Football League (NFL).

With a global pop star and an NFL star couple seated courtside, the broadcast cameras could not have missed them. Midway through the first quarter, they were captured watching the game live.

However, the broadcast team's introduction method sparked controversy. As the camera focused on Swift and Kelso, the ESPN broadcast team mentioned both individuals but did not directly call out Swift's name. Instead, they introduced the globally renowned Swift only as "Kelso's fiancée" or "Kelso's girlfriend."

Swift's fans strongly protested via social media. Some fans left critical comments such as "It's strange that Swift's name was not mentioned," and "Does the broadcast team have a rule that they cannot say Swift's name?" One fan raised their voice, saying, "The broadcast team has introduced them this way at least three times already. I can clearly sense the intent. I don't understand why the broadcast team wants this kind of controversy."

The media reported that "fans strongly criticized the commentators for introducing Swift indirectly, considering her superstar popularity and global recognition."

Meanwhile, Swift and Kelso are expected to get married soon. The media stated that "July 3 will be an important day for them." It is also reported that Kelso, originally from Ohio, has visited Cleveland games several times before.

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*This content was translated by AI.