In 2023, Angel Reese and LSU defeated Caitlin Clark’s Iowa team in the national championship game, a moment that made headlines worldwide. Reese’s taunting gesture towards Clark in the final seconds, specifically pointing to her ring, ignited a massive public reaction. What followed was a rapid rise to stardom for Reese, culminating in her entry into the WNBA, but it also sparked a loud and messy rivalry narrative between the two players.
However, beneath the excitement of the rivalry, Reese faced an immense amount of backlash, including racist and threatening messages. Former WNBA champion Val Whiting recently revealed that Reese’s mother, Angel Webb, shared disturbing messages allegedly sent by Clark’s fans, which included violent and hateful words. These messages went beyond simple trolling and became personal attacks on Reese’s character.
Reese opened up about the emotional toll this harassment took on her and her family, detailing sleepless nights, constant social media attacks, and even fears for her mother’s safety. Despite the challenges, Reese found strength and growth in the experience. She now uses her platform to support others going through similar struggles, helping an NCAA transfer student who reached out to her for guidance on handling hate.
Reese reflected on her experiences and noted that, despite the pain, she has no regrets. She praised Clark and spoke about the harassment she faced, including death threats and fabricated explicit photos. Reese emphasized that it’s not just about the players but the toxic behavior of fans who take rivalries too far. Both Clark’s and Reese’s fans have been involved in ugly confrontations, including physical incidents and personal attacks on social media.
Reese’s message is clear: Rivalries in sports should be about the game and competition, not fueled by hate and toxicity. She continues to grow stronger through it all and shows appreciation for her family, especially her mother, who has been a constant source of support. In a heartwarming moment, Reese surprised her mother with the ultimate birthday gift—paying off her mortgage. This gesture, which brought her mother to tears, was a reminder of the sacrifices her mother made for her career. It was a deeply emotional moment, symbolizing Reese’s gratitude and love for the person who shaped her journey.
Angels birthday gift to her mama 🥹💕
Full episode out NOW: https://t.co/Xc21YLcKo3 pic.twitter.com/YphGibd8tR
— Unapologetically Angel (@angelreeseshow) January 30, 2025
Through all the ups and downs, Reese remains focused on her career and continues to inspire others with her resilience and strength.