The Stephen A. Smith Show – January 18, 2025
Episode: Interview Only: The Hills' Spencer Pratt Slammed by Critics When Heidi Cried on GMA About Losing Their Home to Fire
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into significant societal issues beyond the realm of sports. The episode features a critical discussion on the Supreme Court's decision to ban TikTok in the United States, followed by an in-depth interview with Spencer Pratt, former star of MTV's The Hills. Spencer and his wife Heidi Montag recently endured the devastating loss of their home in the Palisades fire, leading to both personal and public challenges.
Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban
Smith begins the episode by addressing a landmark Supreme Court decision. On January 17, 2025, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a law effectively banning TikTok in the U.S., rejecting an appeal from the app's owners who argued the ban violated the First Amendment.
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Key Points:
- Impact on Americans: The ban affects approximately 170 million U.S. TikTok users, as well as over a billion worldwide.
- Supreme Court's Rationale: The Court acknowledged TikTok as "a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement and source of community" but prioritized national security concerns over First Amendment protections.
- National Security Concerns: The Court cited "well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices in relationship with a foreign adversary," referring to China.
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Notable Quotes:
- Supreme Court Opinion: "Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices in relationship with a foreign adversary." [01:02]
- President Elect Donald Trump: "It ultimately goes up to me. So you're going to see what I'm going to do." [01:02]
Smith explores the potential actions of President Elect Donald Trump, who hinted at intervention following his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The discussion highlights the tension between national security and freedom of expression, questioning why TikTok is banned in countries like Iran and Somalia but not in the U.S. The Supreme Court's decision, based on the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Control Applications Act, emphasized content neutrality and targeted the app's corporate structure to mitigate security risks.
Interview with Spencer Pratt: Loss and Resilience
Transitioning from national issues, Smith introduces Spencer Pratt, who shares his harrowing experience of losing his home in the Palisades fire alongside his wife, Heidi Montag.
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Loss of Home:
- Evacuation Experience: Pratt recounts the terrifying night leading up to the fire, describing unusual wind conditions that signaled impending danger. Despite initial reassurances from firefighting efforts, the situation escalated rapidly.
- Spencer Pratt: "I saw flames come. I called my wife. 'This is not looking good.'" [07:43]
- Family Impact: Pratt's parents also lost their 125-year-old home, highlighting the widespread devastation in a community perceived as affluent.
- Stephen A. Smith: "Why was that the case when it came to you?" [12:49]
- Spencer Pratt: "We didn't get insurance. We were left with nothing." [13:13]
- Evacuation Experience: Pratt recounts the terrifying night leading up to the fire, describing unusual wind conditions that signaled impending danger. Despite initial reassurances from firefighting efforts, the situation escalated rapidly.
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Generating Revenue Through Social Media:
- Criticism Faced: Pratt addresses backlash over promoting Heidi's music as a means to generate income following their loss.
- Stephen A. Smith: "You've been criticized on social media for promoting your wife's music. What are your thoughts?" [15:03]
- Spencer Pratt: "Critics are just describing exactly what I'm going to do until we rebuild." [15:28]
- Revenue Streams: He explains various methods used to support his family, including TikTok, Snapchat, selling merchandise, and live streams.
- Spencer Pratt: "We made $18,000 from a 30-minute TikTok live. It's not rolling in, but it's a blessing." [17:00]
- Challenges and Future Concerns: With the impending TikTok ban, Pratt expresses anxiety about losing a vital platform for income and community support.
- Spencer Pratt: "TikTok's power in helping us rebuild our lives is being taken away. It's another tragedy." [21:06]
- Criticism Faced: Pratt addresses backlash over promoting Heidi's music as a means to generate income following their loss.
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Notable Quotes:
- Spencer Pratt on Loss: "Everyone on my block have lost everything. They're not these rich people." [15:03]
- Spencer Pratt on Social Media Revenue: "People are sending me $5 and $7. It adds up with volume." [17:28]
- Spencer Pratt on TikTok Ban: "It feels like a new flame trying to burn up everything I built." [21:06]
Stephen A. Smith's Support and Defense
Throughout the interview, Smith consistently defends Spencer Pratt against public criticism, emphasizing the legitimacy of their efforts to recover and rebuild.
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Supportive Stance:
- Stephen A. Smith: "There's no crime in what you're doing. You do what you have to do to take care of yourself and your family." [22:33]
- He challenges the negativity directed at Pratt, questioning the rationale behind the backlash given the couple's sincere attempts to support their family.
- Stephen A. Smith: "You guys are generating revenue legally and ethically. What's the noise about?" [23:02]
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Conclusion:
- Smith wraps up the interview by reiterating his appreciation for Pratt's openness and resilience, underscoring the show's commitment to covering diverse and impactful stories.
- Stephen A. Smith: "Thanks again to my guest, Spencer Pratt, for taking time out of his schedule to come on here." [23:44]
- Smith wraps up the interview by reiterating his appreciation for Pratt's openness and resilience, underscoring the show's commitment to covering diverse and impactful stories.
Conclusion
This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show effectively weaves together national security concerns with personal tragedy and resilience. Smith provides a platform for Spencer Pratt to share his authentic experiences, highlighting the intersection of public perception, social media influence, and the challenges faced by individuals in rebuilding their lives amidst unforeseen disasters. The discussion raises pertinent questions about the role of social media in modern livelihoods and the broader implications of governmental regulations on personal and professional recovery efforts.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- Supreme Court Opinion: "Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices in relationship with a foreign adversary." [01:02]
- Spencer Pratt on Loss: "Everyone on my block have lost everything. They're not these rich people." [15:03]
- Spencer Pratt on TikTok Ban: "It feels like a new flame trying to burn up everything I built." [21:06]
- Stephen A. Smith on Support: "There's no crime in what you're doing." [22:33]
This summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners who may not have tuned in, while retaining the integrity and depth of the original discussions.