“They Don’t Respect Me Just Because of My Color”: Angel Reese Chokes Up, Five Powerful Words Leave Fans in Tears
May 2025 — In a raw and emotional moment that has since gone viral, WNBA star and LSU legend Angel Reese opened up about the painful reality of being judged for her skin color, saying five heartbreaking words: “They don’t respect my color.”
During a post-game interview this week following a hard-fought matchup for the Chicago Sky, Reese was asked about the criticism she’s faced both on and off the court. The question, though simple, opened the floodgates to a deeper truth she’s carried for years.
Fighting back tears, Angel paused, composed herself, and then uttered words that sent shockwaves through the sports world:
“They don’t respect my color.”
Those five words struck a chord — not only with her fans but with fellow athletes, public figures, and young Black women across the country who’ve followed her journey.
A Rising Star with a Powerful Voice
Angel Reese has never shied away from speaking her mind. From her dominance at LSU — where she helped lead the Tigers to a national championship in 2023 — to her unapologetic confidence on and off the court, she has become a symbol of strength, pride, and authenticity in women’s sports.
But with that visibility has come intense scrutiny — some of it rooted not in her performance, but in her appearance, behavior, and race. From being labeled “too emotional” to being unfairly criticized for celebrating wins, Reese has been at the center of a double standard that many Black female athletes know all too well.
Her tearful moment this week wasn’t about a single game. It was about a system of subtle and overt disrespect that she has encountered throughout her career — and that so many others have, too.
A Ripple Effect on Social Media
After the clip surfaced online, the reaction was immediate and emotional. On X (formerly Twitter), fans used the hashtags #AngelReese and #RespectBlackWomen, generating millions of impressions.
One fan wrote, “She’s not just playing the game — she’s carrying the weight of history. We see you, Angel.”
Another shared, “Those five words broke me. She deserves love, not judgment.”
Even fellow WNBA stars and public figures came to her defense, including Caitlin Clark, who tweeted:
“We compete on the court, but off the court, we support each other. Angel is a force, and she deserves every ounce of respect.”
More Than an Athlete
This moment adds to Reese’s growing legacy as not only an elite basketball player but a cultural icon and advocate. In recent months, she has spoken about mental health, racial bias, and the importance of self-worth in interviews and at public events.
She’s been featured in brand campaigns, cover stories, and college commencement speeches, always bringing her authentic voice to the spotlight. But even as her star continues to rise, this moment reminded fans that Angel Reese is still human, vulnerable, and navigating a world that doesn’t always treat her fairly.
A Call for Change
As fans and supporters rally behind her, many are calling for greater accountability in media coverage, fan discourse, and even league dynamics that often treat players differently based on race.
For Reese, this moment — painful as it was — may become a turning point in her career. Not because of a stat line or a buzzer-beater, but because she spoke a truth so many have been too afraid to say out loud.
Her strength, once again, was undeniable — not just in competition, but in conviction.
“I’m not going to change who I am,” she said later. “I just want to be respected for being me.”
