Angel Reese, the unapologetic star of the WNBA, has responded to critics who came for her following a podcast interview with Kayla Nicole.
ANGEL REESE CLAPS BACK
The Chicago Sky player took to social media to deliver a snappy comeback to those, particularly fans of Taylor Swift, who criticised her latest interview with Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend.
Reese, 22, was not here for the negativity. She posted a fiery tweet on X, writing, “Hating pays too 💅.”
It was a bold retort aimed at her detractors, who accused her of stirring up drama to boost views for her Unapologetically Angel podcast, according to Page Six.
ANGEL REESE VS THE SWIFTIES
Swift’s dedicated fans, known for their intense loyalty, jumped into the fray. They accused Reese of exploiting Nicole’s history with Kelce to fuel the show’s popularity.
In the interview, Nicole, 32, opened up about her relationship with Kelce, which ended in 2022.
Though she didn’t drop Swift’s name, it was clear who she was referencing.
NICOLE TALKS KELCE ON ANGEL REESE’S PODCAST
Nicole touched on her split from Kelce and how his new relationship with the pop sensation changed things.
“We’ve seen each other in public spaces before,” she said.
She explained that despite being on good terms with Kelce, it would be inappropriate for them to interact in public, according to Daily Mail.
“There’s just no room really for us to communicate or acknowledge each other publicly without it being spun into something crazy.”
SOCIAL MEDIA DRAMA
South Africans watching this drama unfold might relate to the online storm.
It’s a tale as old as social media – ex-partners, high-profile breakups, and the ever-present pressure of public opinion.
Just like our local stars, Nicole has found herself the target of online hate due to her past, despite trying to live her life quietly, according to News Week.
When asked what she would do if she bumped into Kelce, Nicole playfully said she’d probably just give him “a head nod.”
SWIFTIES AND THIER RELENTLESS ATTACKS
This isn’t the first time fans have dragged Nicole into the spotlight because of her past relationship with Kelce, 35.
The sports reporter and influencer has been the subject of online bullying, mostly from fans of Swift.
But, much like Reese, she isn’t afraid to defend herself. Last month, she hit back at a social media user who attacked her appearance. This set an example for young women to stand up for themselves.
ANGEL REESE’S PODCAST SHEDS LIGHT ON THE DRAMA
During the podcast, Nicole insisted that Kelce was “a great guy” and acknowledged their time together fondly.
“That was a good time in my life,” she said. But despite her positive comments, she made it clear that a friendship was off the table.
The NFL star’s romance with Swift has made things complicated, and Nicole would rather stay out of the public eye.
FACING SCRUTINY
Reese’s podcast has proven to be a platform for honest conversations, even when it attracts backlash.
And in South Africa, where sports stars also face intense scrutiny, her blunt response may resonate.
It’s a reminder that in the world of fame and social media, standing up for yourself comes with the territory – and as Reese put it, “Hating pays too.”
DO YOU THINK ANGEL REESE’S RESPONSE TO THE CRITICISM WAS JUSTIFIED?
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