Chicago Sky Star Angel Reese Faces Major Backlash After ‘Inappropriate’ Video with Rapper Sexyy Red

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is once again making waves, but this time, it’s not for her on-court performance. The 2024 WNBA star has found herself at the center of a social media firestorm after releasing a controversial video featuring rapper Sexyy Red. In the video, Reese and Red engage in a twerking session, showcasing their dancing talents to the camera.

While Reese’s social media presence has always kept her fans engaged, this latest video has drawn sharp criticism. The clip, which has garnered over 105,000 views, shows Reese in a tight-fitting bodysuit dancing alongside Sexyy Red, and it quickly sparked a massive backlash. Critics were quick to express their disapproval, with many questioning the timing of the video in relation to Reese’s basketball career.

Hypocrite Angel Reese blasted over 'gross' sexual behavior - NewsBreak

Backlash and Criticism

The backlash was swift, with a flood of comments criticizing Reese’s focus on entertainment rather than basketball. “Doing anything but developing a layup package,” one fan commented sarcastically, highlighting concerns about Reese’s basketball skills. Another wrote, “These are the women advocating to be paid more in the WNBA…lol the comedy,” calling attention to the ongoing conversation about pay equality in the league.

As the video continued to circulate, more users chimed in with similar critiques, questioning why Reese, who is one of the top talents in the WNBA, was spending time on social media instead of improving her game. “She’s doing everything except practicing making layups,” one user quipped. Another fan wrote, “Reese is good at everything but basketball,” while a disappointed follower expressed, “I try Angel… I try to defend you… and then you go and do this.”

The criticism seems to stem from the belief that Reese, who has been vocal about advocating for better pay and recognition for WNBA players, is not focusing enough on the sport that got her to where she is. While the video was likely intended as fun, it has inadvertently opened the door for fans to question her commitment to basketball and her priorities on and off the court.

Angel Reese’s Performance This Season

Despite the off-court distractions, Reese continues to perform at a high level in her second season in the WNBA. Averaging a double-double, she has posted impressive stats with 10.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Known for her rebounding prowess, Reese has continued to be one of the top forwards in the league, leading the WNBA in rebounds last season with 13.1 per game.

However, her efficiency remains a concern. Reese has struggled with her shooting, holding a 31.1 field goal percentage and a 33.3 3-point percentage so far this season. The Sky are currently under .500, sitting at 3-4 through their first seven games, leaving some fans wondering whether Reese’s focus on social media and entertainment might be affecting her performance on the court.

Angel Reese Shakes Her Butt With Sexyy Red After Complaining About  Sexualization | OutKick

The $100K Challenge and External Pressure

The timing of the criticism couldn’t come at a worse moment for Reese. Alongside her on-court struggles, the 2024 WNBA season has brought about external pressure on the star. She’s reportedly facing a $100K challenge, a challenge that has been tied to her viral video and the perceived distraction it caused. As her on-court struggles continue, the additional off-court noise surrounding her might become a significant factor in how her season unfolds.

In addition to her basketball performance, Reese is also the subject of growing attention from both fans and the media. With WNBA stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson dominating the spotlight, the competition for recognition and endorsement deals is fierce. Reese’s social media presence and her viral moments, while helping her build a brand, have also opened the door for criticisms regarding her professionalism.

The Bigger Picture: The WNBA’s Struggle with Pay and Recognition

Reese, like many WNBA players, has been a vocal advocate for pay equity in women’s professional sports. She has spoken about the need for greater recognition of the women’s game, especially when it comes to salaries and sponsorships. However, the backlash she’s faced for her viral video may only further complicate the narrative of women athletes seeking respect and financial compensation for their efforts.

While her video with Sexyy Red was a moment of personal expression, the backlash raises a larger question about how the WNBA and its players are perceived by the public. Reese’s critics seem to believe that social media antics undermine the very cause she’s fighting for. The tension between branding, entertainment, and professional sports is an ongoing issue for women athletes, and Reese is just one example of how these struggles play out in the spotlight.

Angel Reese Taking Heat For 'Inappropriate' Video Thursday - The Spun

Looking Ahead: Can Reese Find Balance?

As the season continues, Reese will need to navigate the delicate balance between her public persona and her performance on the court. While she’s shown that she’s capable of being a dominant force in the WNBA, she must also contend with the distractions that come with fame, including the scrutiny of her off-court behavior. If Reese can channel her energy into improving her game while staying true to her personal brand, she could continue to rise as one of the league’s top stars.

But for now, Reese faces a critical juncture in her career, as fans and analysts alike are questioning her commitment to the game. Will she bounce back from the viral video controversy and rise to the occasion, or will the off-court distractions continue to overshadow her on-court performance? The answer may come soon, but it’s clear that Angel Reese’s journey is far from predictable.