Angel Reese accuses Caitlin Clark's fans of racism and claims they sent explicit AI images to her family

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND: The fierce rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has captivated headlines since their college days.

Now that both players are in the WNBA—Reese with the Chicago Sky and Clark as the first pick for the Indiana Fever—their on-court rivalry continues. Recently, Reese accused Clark's fans of racism and claimed they sent AI-generated nude images to her family.

Angel Reese opens up about racism and nude AI images

Angel Reese revealed on her new podcast that the rivalry's intensity goes beyond the court, driven by a fanbase that's not only passionate but occasionally problematic, according to Daily Mail. 

Reese stated, “Caitlin is an amazing player, and I’ve always thought she’s incredible,” setting a respectful tone while also addressing the uncomfortable realities that come with their rivalry.

"We've been playing each other since high school. So I think it's really just the fans—her fans, the Iowa fans, and now the Indiana (Fever) fans that are like, they ride for her and I respect that. But sometimes it is very disrespectful. I think there is a lot of racism when it comes to it and I don't believe she stands for any of that," she added.

The rivalry, though thrilling for the sport, has also exposed a darker side of fandom that Reese has been forced to confront.

From death threats to AI-generated nude images sent to her family, the harassment has reportedly breached personal boundaries that no athlete should have to face.

Reese detailed her chilling experiences, saying, "But when it comes to death threats—I'm talking about people coming down to my address, follow me home—it has come down to that."

"On multiple occasions, people have made AI pictures of me like naked, literally. They have sent them to my family members. Uncles have sent them to me like 'are you naked on Instagram?' It sucks to see that, it is really hard that I have to go through that and see other players that have to go through that," she added.

Angel Reese stays resilient amid WNBA drama with Caitlin Clark

Despite the negativity surrounding their matchups, Angel Reese remains resilient and refuses to let it overshadow her passion for the game.

"But like at the end of the day, it is a game that we both love but there is no hate," she remarked.

Their encounters on the court this WNBA season have been nothing short of gripping, marked by high drama and contentious moments.

In one notable moment, Reese's teammate Chennedy Carter shoved Clark to the ground off the ball, aggressively shouting and delivering a shoulder charge from behind. Reese, who was on the sidelines at the time, was visibly enthusiastic in cheering for the physical play.

Moreover, in June, Reese herself was called for a flagrant foul after an attempt to swipe the ball from Clark ended up making contact with Clark's head.

"I guess some people got a special whistle," Reese remarked after the game, showing frustration.

While Reese has been vocal about the rivalry and its implications, Clark has often downplayed the animosity, preferring to see it as a media-fueled narrative.

"I'm pretty sure that the only people who view this as a rivalry is all of you," Clark said to reporters in June.

"For us, it's just a game of basketball. That's what it is. If it's going to help move the game forward then absolutely (she's a rival). That's amazing. That's what it should be. People can talk about it. Like I said, if that's what is going to help the game move forward then absolutely (call it a rivalry)."