{
  "id": 1484758,
  "title": "“If you have 4 kids, she completes you”: Stephen A. Smith defends Giannis’ wife",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/if-you-have-4-kids-she-completes-you-stephen-a-smith-defends-giannis",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T03:16:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/if-you-have-4-kids-with-a-woman-she-completes-you-giannis-antetokounmpos-wife-mariah-gets-heartwarming-support-from-stephen-a-smith-who-slams-fans-attacking-her-appearance/articleshow/133285629.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Stephen A. Smith, host of First Take, has defended Giannis Antetokounmpo's wife, Mariah Riddlesprigger, against years of online criticism over her appearance. Appearing on The Culture Table podcast, Smith bluntly told critics to back off, stating \"Fuck Y ALL!\" He emphasized that Riddlesprigger, as Giannis' wife, should not be subjected to such scrutiny. Smith explained that it's disrespectful to talk about a man's wife, especially one who loves her husband and raises their children in a beautiful way. His comments came after Antetokounmpo addressed the same criticism directly on a separate podcast, expressing that the couple has heard every jab but is not interested in staying quiet anymore. The couple, who have been together for over a decade, married in Greece in September 2024 with several NBA stars in attendance. They have four children together, and Riddlesprigger has described her role as something distinctly hers, using their family platform to help others. Despite the ongoing criticism, both Antetokounmpo and Smith have made it clear they will continue to address and defend the couple's relationship.",
  "summary": "Stephen A. Smith publicly defended Mariah Riddlesprigger, wife of Giannis Antetokounmpo, against years of online criticism over her appearance and their marriage, calling out fans in blunt terms during a \"Culture Table\" podcast appearance. His comments followed Antetokounmpo's own remarks on \"AnesTea The Podcast,\" where he addressed similar scrutiny directly.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}