Rep. Jasmine Crockett is speaking out for the first time about Stephen A. Smith's criticism of her approach to politics, which sparked major backlash and prompted him to issue a public apology.

During an interview with The Shade Room, Crockett said Thursday (October 30) that she was "disappointed" by Smith's comments.

“When I first heard the comments, I was disappointed,” the Democratic lawmaker said. “Simply because it was a Black man.”

Crockett emphasized that she has never spoken to Smith personally.

“I’ve never had a conversation with Stephen A. a day in my life,” she added.

Last month, Smith questioned Crockett’s approach to politics, saying she was more focused on attacking President Donald Trump than helping her constituents.

“[H]ow Jasmine Crockett chooses to express herself, I'm like, ‘Is that going to help your district in Texas?’” Smith previously said on his "Straight Shooter" podcast. “Aren't you there to find a way to get stuff done, as opposed to just being an impediment to what Trump wants? How much work goes into that?”

In a follow-up podcast episode, the ESPN personality turned political pundit doubled down on his criticism of Crockett, despite the backlash he received from his comments.

"I have nothing but respect for her," Smith said. "I just disagree on what she's making headlines for because I think it's counterproductive to the ultimate goal."

Last week, Smith reversed course and apologized for his remarks, which he noted may have fueled Trump's latest attacks against Crockett.

“I get it now with Trump feeding into that nonsense, giving him fodder or ammunition to continue to go out there and talk about our Black women that way,” Smith said on the latest episode of his podcast. “I don’t like that at all. I don’t want to be associated with nothing like that … and I apologize because I respect the hell out of Jasmine Crockett and what she has accomplished.”

“I can look Jasmine Crockett in the face and say, ‘I’m sorry for any kind of noise I caused in your direction,’” Smith added. “She is accomplished and smart and has an incredible challenge working in this political climate.”

During her interview with TSR, Crockett said she expects criticism from political opponents, but not from someone like Smith.

“In the work that I do, I anticipate there will be plenty of racists or people on the other side who will criticize me — not the substance of my work, not the legislation, not the programs I run in my district,” she said. “But for a Black man, especially in a time when Black women are under attack … I just felt a way."

When asked if she accepted his apology, Crockett laughed and suggested she’s ready to move on.

“If you hadn’t gotten smoke, would you have done it?” she said. “It’s done. We’re moving on.”

“My constituents understand that Trump is the big threat — not the way I talk,” Crockett added. “I appreciate that people spoke out. I didn’t really have to say anything.”

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