In March 2025, women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) filed a lawsuit against Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) with a claim of up to $10 million. Clark accused Reese of inciting fans to attack and harass her at her home in Indianapolis .
According to the court filing, the incident stemmed from an Instagram post by Reese in early February 2025, in which she wrote, “If you really support me, let her see that she is not welcome here.” While not a specific name, the post is believed to have been directed at Clark after a tense game between the Fever and the Sky, in which Clark scored 35 points and led the team to victory. Days later, Clark’s private home was thrown and spray-painted by a group of strangers, accompanied by threats recorded by security cameras .
Reese has not made an official statement, but a news source close to her said she felt misunderstood and that the post was simply to encourage fans, with no intention of stirring up violence. However, Clark’s legal team argued that, with over 5 million followers on social media, Reese was responsible for the consequences of her words. The lawsuit sparked a wave of controversy in the fan community, with some Clark supporters arguing that accountability for the unrest is necessary. Conversely, others believe Reese is being treated unfairly and that the lawsuit is an overreaction. Some experts fear the lawsuit could affect the image of the WNBA, which benefits from the competition between these two stars
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If the trial goes ahead, it could set a precedent for managing athletes’ social media behavior. Regardless of the outcome, the incident highlighted the challenges athletes face in the digital age, where the line between competition and unacceptable behavior is increasingly blurred.