Angel Reese Under Fire After Charleston White’s Bold Criticism
Angel Reese, the LSU basketball sensation nicknamed “Bayou Barbie,” has once again found herself at the center of a heated debate. This time, it’s due to controversial comments made by outspoken internet personality Charleston White, who called out Reese during an appearance on Jeff Teague’s podcast. The remarks have sparked intense reactions across social media, dividing fans and critics.
On Teague’s podcast, White did not hold back, accusing Reese of neglecting her basketball career in favor of building a social media brand. He suggested that Reese no longer cares about basketball, claiming she is more focused on platforms like TikTok and Instagram than honing her skills on the court.
“She spends more time documenting her feelings and doing dances on TikTok than showcasing her skills in the gym,” White said during the podcast. The comments didn’t stop there—White went as far as to suggest that Reese should focus on OnlyFans rather than basketball, sparking widespread outrage.
White’s comments quickly went viral, drawing both support and backlash. Many criticized him for his harsh tone and perceived disrespect toward a young athlete. Fans on social media were quick to defend Reese, accusing White of perpetuating misogynistic stereotypes and unfairly targeting a successful Black woman.
“This is just another example of someone tearing down a strong, independent woman for no reason,” one Twitter user wrote.
Others, however, sided with White, arguing that Reese’s social media presence does overshadow her basketball career. They pointed to her Instagram feed, which is filled with glamorous photoshoots and brand endorsements, with little emphasis on basketball.
The controversy didn’t stop with White’s remarks. Podcast host Jeff Teague also faced backlash for giving White a platform to voice such divisive opinions. Critics accused Teague of enabling disrespectful commentary, with some even calling for his podcast to be canceled.
WNBA player McKenzie Forbes weighed in, tweeting, “This is the most sexist, misogynistic nonsense I’ve ever heard. Why do these platforms keep letting guys like this speak unchecked?”
White’s criticism has reignited a broader debate about the role of branding in modern sports, especially for female athletes. Reese’s critics argue that her focus on social media may come at the expense of her basketball career, citing a lack of recent on-court highlights compared to other rising stars like Caitlin Clark, whose feed is filled with training videos and game highlights.
Supporters counter that Reese is simply leveraging her platform to secure financial stability in a field where female athletes are underpaid. The average WNBA salary pales in comparison to NBA salaries, pushing many players to find alternative income sources, such as social media partnerships.
Reese has yet to directly address White’s comments, but she has previously defended her use of social media. In interviews, she’s expressed pride in building a brand that empowers her and inspires others.
“I’m more than just a basketball player. I’m a young woman with dreams, ambitions, and a message,” Reese said in a prior interview.
This controversy highlights the ongoing challenges female athletes face in balancing their athletic careers with personal branding. Social media offers opportunities for financial success and increased visibility, but it also subjects athletes to heightened scrutiny.
Figures like Reese represent a new era in sports, where athletes are no longer confined to their roles on the court. However, as this debate shows, the line between empowerment and distraction remains a contentious issue.
As the backlash continues, questions remain about the long-term implications for Reese and other athletes navigating this delicate balance. Will Reese’s critics force her to shift focus back to basketball, or will she continue to redefine what it means to be a modern athlete?
