Angel Reese Faces Backlash Over NYE Outfit and Deletes Instagram
Angel Reese, the young basketball star who rose to prominence during her college days at LSU, recently found herself at the center of a social media storm. The controversy began after the WNBA player shared a provocative New Year’s Eve post that sparked intense online debate. The backlash was so severe that Reese ultimately deleted her Instagram account, leaving fans and critics speculating about her motives.
Reese’s now-deleted post featured her in a revealing outfit, accompanied by explicit lyrics in the caption. Critics were quick to pounce, accusing her of undermining her professional image as an athlete. Many pointed out the irony of her public complaints about being objectified, juxtaposed against her choice to share content that some perceived as inviting such attention.
Supporters of Reese defended her right to express herself, arguing that athletes—especially women—shouldn’t be held to outdated or overly rigid standards of modesty. Yet, detractors accused her of prioritizing social media fame over her basketball career, with some labeling her actions as unprofessional and detrimental to her brand.
As one of the more prominent faces in women’s basketball, Reese’s annual WNBA salary is reported to be around $74,000—a modest figure compared to athletes in other leagues. Reese herself has publicly stated that her salary doesn’t cover all her expenses. Instead, she relies heavily on endorsement deals with brands like Reebok and Reese’s.
While her basketball talent and high-profile college championship at LSU played a significant role in securing these partnerships, critics argue that her focus has shifted away from the sport. Reese has admitted that basketball is not her sole focus, suggesting that her lifestyle and branding efforts are part of a larger strategy to establish herself outside the game.
The incident has reignited broader discussions about the challenges female athletes face in maintaining their public personas. Some view Reese’s actions as an attempt to balance her identity as a young woman and a professional athlete in a culture that often places unrealistic expectations on women in sports.
However, others see her choices as counterproductive, claiming that they detract from her credibility on the court. A viral clip from a podcast featuring controversial comments about Reese further fueled the conversation, with some commentators suggesting she is prioritizing attention over athletic achievements.
Adding fuel to the fire, comparisons between Reese and fellow basketball star Caitlin Clark have emerged. While both athletes have contributed to the growing visibility of women’s basketball, Clark’s image has been framed as more marketable to families and younger fans. Critics argue that Reese’s decisions risk alienating her core audience and detracting from the progress she’s made in her career.
The debate over Reese’s social media presence highlights a larger cultural conversation about the double standards female athletes face. Many argue that male athletes often display ostentatious behavior without facing the same level of scrutiny. Others counter that Reese’s actions go beyond self-expression and verge into territory that conflicts with her professional image.
Angel Reese’s undeniable talent and charisma have made her a standout figure in the WNBA, but her latest controversy underscores the challenges of navigating fame in the age of social media. Whether this backlash will prompt a shift in her approach or further cement her as a polarizing figure remains to be seen.
Why Did Angel Reese Delete Her Instagram? NYE Outfit Controversy Explained
Photo by Cindy Ord/WireImage via Getty Images
Angel Reese’s recent decision to delete her Instagram account has left fans questioning the reason behind the seemingly sudden decision. The move comes after the WNBA star faced backlash over her bold New Year’s Eve outfit, which sparked both praise and criticism online. With her Instagram account no longer accessible, many are left wondering what led to this choice.
Here’s everything fans need to know about Angel Reese’s NYE outfit controversy.
Angel Reese deletes Instagram account after NYE outfit controversy
Angel Reese has left fans puzzled after deleting her Instagram account following backlash over her New Year’s Eve outfit. The 22-year-old WNBA star’s social media handle, @angelreese5, suddenly became unavailable, with a message stating that the page may have been removed.
While her Instagram account disappeared, Reese’s TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) accounts remained active, leaving many fans wondering what led to the unexpected deactivation.
Reese’s controversial outfit, which featured an animal print cut-out dress, caught significant attention. The dress, which had a plunging midsection and high leg slit, showcased her daring fashion sense. In the videos she posted before ringing in 2025, Reese appeared stunning in the mocha-colored gown.
While some fans applauded her bold look, others criticized her outfit. Some accused her of wearing it for attention and inviting sexualized comments. The harsh feedback seemed to culminate in Reese’s decision to remove her Instagram presence.
The backlash came after a successful 2024 for the Chicago Sky forward, who is set to play in the new Unrivaled League in Miami. Reese has shared her aspirations for the future, including becoming a billionaire and achieving long-term goals.
Last week, she posted a video showing her vision board for the year, highlighting her ambition. Despite the criticism, Reese remains focused on her goals, including plans to become a homeowner soon. Fans continue to rally behind her, with many expressing concern over the negativity she faced after her outfit choice.