*Yeah, we get it. She’s hot. She’s sexy. And she’s only 22. However, WNBA star Angel Reese, recognized for her impressive prowess on the court, has recently made headlines off the hardwood after seemingly deleting her Instagram account.
This move follows intense backlash over her eye-catching outfit at a New Year’s Eve party. The Chicago Sky forward’s Instagram handle, @angelreese5, was unavailable Thursday morning, leaving fans a message indicating that the page may have been removed.
While Reese’s Instagram may be offline, she remains active on other social media platforms like TikTok and X, where she shared a sultry selfie before midnight, showcasing her daring fashion choice.
Reese turned heads in a mocha-colored, animal print gown that featured a stunningly high split and a bold cut-out design, drawing mixed reactions from fans. Some praised her for her beauty and confidence, while others expressed harsh criticism. Responses ranged from admiration, with comments calling her “gorgeous,” to derogatory remarks questioning her intentions behind the outfit choice.
“This is disgusting, I’m sorry,” one critic wrote, echoing sentiments shared by others who interpreted her look as a cry for attention, the Daily Mail reported.
This recent episode is not the first time Reese has faced scrutiny regarding her appearance. Following LSU’s close loss to Iowa during the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament last year, she spoke out about being sexualized and threatened, detailing an emotionally tumultuous period in her life.
“I’ve been attacked so many times. Death threats, I’ve been sexualized… I haven’t been happy since then,” she candidly shared with reporters.
Reese’s journey highlights the ongoing battle female athletes face regarding their rights to express themselves and navigate public perception. Despite her past comments advocating against sexualization, numerous social media users were quick to call out a perceived contradiction following her New Year’s Eve ensemble. Posts flooded in asserting, “Wasn’t she just saying people sexualize her too much?” while others seemingly mocked her stance—“Now don’t anyone dare sexualize her,” they remarked sarcastically.
Adding to her struggles, Reese detailed alarming experiences in which AI-generated explicit images of her were sent to her family by rival fans, further illustrating the troubling dynamics female athletes encounter within the realm of sports culture.
Amidst the backlash, it is essential to note that Reese has established herself not only as a formidable competitor, having won the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship with LSU in 2023 and claiming the title of Most Outstanding Player during the tournament, but as a prominent voice in the ongoing conversation surrounding athlete expression and gender equality in sports.
As a rising star in women’s basketball, Reese exemplifies a new generation of athletes who are not only breaking records but challenging societal expectations and advocating for their rights to express their individuality and style.
The intersection of her athletic achievements and her personal struggles paves the way for important discussions on how women, especially in sports, navigate the complexities of public scrutiny and self-expression.
Regardless of the criticism, Angel Reese remains a vital figure in sports, embodying resilience and dedication to the game—two qualities that will undoubtedly continue to inspire many as she forges her path both on and off the court.
