Stephen A Smith has hit back after being told to apologise for his stance on Charlie Kirk after the American's assassination.
Kirk was shot dead earlier this month, while speaking at a campus rally at Utah Valley University in Orem. The 31-year-old had founded the right-wing student group Turning Point USA and travelled across the United States debating a range of political issues.
He was fatally shot through the neck during the event, prompting shock around the world. Kirk was a close ally of Donald Trump and was a divisive figure in American politics.
The late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel was temporarily taken off air after he was accused of insensitivity when he spoke about Kirk's alleged killer. Kimmel had suggested that Trump and his MAGA allies were "desperately trying to characterise this kid as anything other than one of them" and were trying to "score political points from it".
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Those remarks drew faced widespread criticised, including from ESPN host Smith, who condemned anyone celebrating Kirk's death.
Smith said: The only thing that I would say as it pertains to Jimmy Kimmel is, where was the joke? Because you’re a late night host and obviously that has a comedic attachment to it. Where was the joke?
“Obviously, it wasn’t anything funny about that."
The sports host has once again reaffirmed his position regarding Kirk, who leaves behind a wife and two young children.
Smith said: "Folks want me to apologize or correct myself — you can go to h*ll. I'm not doing that. It's wrong to want to give a family an opportunity to mourn!? Think about what you're saying!"
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with Kirk's murder, and prosecutors have confirmed they are seeking the death penalty.
He appeared in court for the first time last week, wearing a protective vest designed to prevent self-harm, but has not yet to enter a plea.
Kirk's death prompted tributes from several influential American figures.
President Trump announced that he will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Several prominent MAGA figures joined Trump at a packed stadium in Arizona for a memorial service on Sunday evening.
Kirk's wife, Erika, also addressed the crowd in an emotional tribute.
She said that she had forgiven the man accused of killing her husband.
“My husband, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life," she added.
“That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do."
Topics: Stephen A Smith, NBA
James Taylor