Stephen A. Smith is denying any deliberate intention behind apparently liking a social media video featuring far-right political commentator Nick Fuentes. On Tuesday night, the far-right account AF Post shared a screenshot indicating that Smith was among those who clicked the “like” button on Fuentes’ Instagram clip, where Fuentes makes accusations about the U.S. government being under Israeli influence. The following morning, Smith stated he was unaware of who Fuentes is or the content of the video.
I do not know who this is or what that video is. If it was “liked” it was unintentional https://t.co/2hdzjXGkyG
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 26, 2025
Smith reiterated, “If it was ‘liked’ it was unintentional,” when quote-tweeting AF Post’s screenshot that has garnered over one million views. While accidental likes happen to everyone, it raises questions about how frequently Smith engages with his Instagram account, especially given that he has a social media team managing most of his posts. Regardless of whether the action was unintentional or done by someone else, being associated with Fuentes—an avowed white supremacist and neo-Nazi—isn’t ideal for someone potentially eyeing a Democratic presidential run in 2028.
This incident underscores why Smith may hesitate to pursue a presidential campaign. There are numerous reasons he might shy away from running in 2028—ranging from the pay cut to his lack of qualifications—but for someone who tries to maintain privacy, navigating personal exposure as a candidate would be extremely challenging. A simple accidental “liked” post could lead to intense scrutiny. If he does decide to run for president, a thorough examination of his past and any controversies might unfold.
