Angel Reese recently opened up about the disturbing and ongoing harassment she’s faced from certain fans of fellow basketball star Caitlin Clark. Reese, the LSU forward who gained national attention during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, revealed that some of Clark’s fans have not only resorted to racism but have also sent her death threats, harassed her with fake AI-generated nude photos, and even followed her to her home.
Reese, known for her on-court confidence and outspokenness, said the harassment began after the heated championship game in which she and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark became central figures in a media-fueled rivalry. While both players have expressed mutual respect for each other, the fallout from that game has led to a wave of online vitriol directed at Reese.
“Some of the things I’ve been through since that game have been really disturbing,” Reese said in a recent interview. “Fans of Caitlin have been racist toward me, calling me names and sending me death threats. And it’s not just online—I’ve had people use AI to create naked photos of me and send them to my family members. They’ve even gone as far as following me home at times, which is terrifying.”
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The ongoing harassment highlights the darker side of sports fandom, where athletes—particularly Black women—are often subjected to intense scrutiny and abuse. Despite these challenges, Reese remains resilient, but she has also called attention to the toll it has taken on her and those close to her.
“I love the game, but it’s hard when you’re facing this level of hate off the court. It’s not just affecting me, it’s affecting my family. That crosses a line,” Reese added.
Caitlin Clark has not been implicated in any way with the actions of these fans, and the two players have spoken positively about each other’s abilities. Reese emphasized that the issue isn’t with Clark herself but with the toxic behavior of a subset of her fanbase. Clark has previously addressed the media’s portrayal of their rivalry, calling for more respect for women in sports and highlighting the importance of keeping competition on the court.
Reese’s experiences have sparked wider conversations about racism, online harassment, and the unique challenges that Black female athletes face. Her story underscores the need for better protections and support systems for athletes who become targets of hate and harassment.
Despite the adversity, Reese remains focused on her basketball career and using her platform to advocate for change, standing as a role model for others facing similar challenges.
