Angel Reese: Caitlin Clark fans have followed me, sent AI nudes to my family
Angel Reese says there’s no hate between herself and fellow rookie superstar Caitlin Clark — but some of Clark’s fans have crossed a line over their perceived rivalry.
During the premiere episode of her podcast “Unapologetically Angel,” released Thursday, Reese revealed some of the hate she’s been getting from people she described as fans of Clark which included racism and death threats.
Reese made sure to absolve Clark of blame for any of the hate the Chicago Sky superstar has been getting, saying that she didn’t believe the Indiana product “stands on any of that.”
3
Angel Reese absolved Caitlin Clark of any wrongdoing, but pointed to her fans for their messages and hatred.` Unapologetically Angel/YouTube
“I think it’s really just the fans. Her fans, the Iowa fans, now the Indiana fans, that are like, they ride for her and I respect that respectfully,” Reese said. “But sometimes it’s very disrespectful. I think there’s a lot of racism when it comes to it and I don’t believe she stands on any of that, but when it comes to death threats – I’m talking about people have come down to my address, followed me home. It’s come down to multiple occasions people have made AI pictures of me naked, literally.”
Reese claimed that people had sent those AI-created explicit images to family members which in turn have resulted in them reaching out to her.
The debate over Clark and Reese has been a massive storyline in the WNBA and dates back to the pair’s days in college at Iowa and LSU, respectively.
While the two have tried to steer clear of fanning the flames of the rivalry that both have pointed to as one being pushed by the fans and media, it hasn’t stopped debate shows and sports pundits from dissecting every aspect of their games and personalities.
Reese said during the hour-long episode that Clark “is an amazing player and I’ve always thought she’s an amazing player.”
The two have helped the explosion in popularity of the WNBA this year as both have had stellar rookie campaigns in their own right.
Clark of course has broken record after record this year for both the league and the Fever franchise.
3
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark makes a long pass upcourt. AP
At the same time, Reese has dominated in her own right averaging a league-leading 13.2 rebounds per game and setting a single-season record.
The two even teamed up during the WNBA All-Star Game in July, delighting many hoops fans.
Reese even appeared to hint that the two stars could find themselves teamed up together again in the future.
3
Sky forward Angel Reese (5) shoots a free throw against the Indiana Fever. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
“We’re gonna play on the same team one day, I’m sure. We’re gonna definitely play on the same team one day,” Reese said.