Paige Spiranac has become one of the most influential figures in sports on social media, amassing millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, her rise to fame wasn’t without its challenges, particularly in the face of vicious rumors.

In an appearance on the “Quiet Please!” podcast earlier this month, Spiranac opened up about the hurtful comments she encountered early in her career. When she attended a golf tournament in Dubai in 2015, Spiranac was subjected to rumors that suggested she had used “sexual favors” to secure an invite.

“There were constant comments like ‘I did sexual favors to get this invite,’” Spiranac shared. “And I was listening to it – and they would say [it] within earshot of me. It was tough.”

Despite these cruel accusations, Spiranac reflected on how her popularity grew after going viral. She admitted that she was unprepared for the overwhelming attention that came with her newfound fame.

“I ended up going viral, and this was back when people weren’t going viral all the time, and I didn’t know how to handle it,” Spiranac explained. “My whole life got flipped upside down. I went from having 500 followers to 100,000 followers. I show up and was doing hours of press, which I wasn’t prepared for.”

She also touched on the isolation she felt among her peers, saying, “There were a couple of girls who were really supportive and who were nice, but the majority [of them], it was brutal. I would go on the range and girls would just scatter. No one wanted to hit next to me.”

Spiranac’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women in sports and how social media can bring both immense opportunities and harsh scrutiny. Yet, despite the hurdles, she continues to thrive, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for others.