” I feel like that’s, for me, the hardest thing. I think the social media thing.” The platforms have been both a blessing and a curse for Angel Reese. While she has felt the love, been able to offer her narrative, and even possibly provided leeway to her partnership with Reese’s, the hate flows just as strong. From questioning her versatility to nitpicking her every move, critics are quick to fuel the fire and bring the Chicago Sky star down. So for Reese, navigating the chaos of social media might just be her toughest game yet.

Social media has taken the sports world by storm, and Angel Reese, the bold “Bayou Barbie,” isn’t holding back about its impact. In the recent episode of Unapologetically Angel, the 22-year-old opened up about the challenges she’s faced since going viral and stepping into the spotlight. “I feel like social media has killed so much, especially for this generation,” she shared, keeping it real about the highs and lows of fame.

While the success, recognition, and wins are undeniable perks, Reese isn’t sugarcoating the flip side. “The negativity, your life is out there, everything you do is always out there… Can I just live my life without everyone watching and judging every move?” she asks. Well, the Chi-Town Barbie knows the impact of it all too well.

The criticism that followed after her hand gesture aimed at Caitlin Clark back during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, was just the start. She would sit out for two weeks in her senior year after the LSU Tigers, defending champions, lost their first game to Colorado. The then-21-year-old was forced into a break for mental health. A few months later, she would experience the same on a larger scale — de-th threats, racial slurs, and as far as obscene edits.

She has been vocal about the effects such actions can hold. But there seems to be no stop to the noise. More recently, the negatives were noted as Reese deleted her Instagram, a move that coincided with the heavy scrutiny that came with her New Year’s dress.

“God, I am 22, let me live my life,” she expresses, noting the judgment in general.

But it hasn’t just been about the heavy criticism. The fans have come to dictate her private life and relationships, pecking into the details and the Chi-Town Barbie just wants out of it.

Social media forces Angel Reese to stay mum on certain aspects

Angel Reese and Cam’Ron Fletcher’s relationship had come to be the talk of the town when the two dated back in college. But it only got worse as they announced the breakup in March last year. The 22-year-old saw the rumor mill churning to even include Kevin Durant at one point. Reese had to address it on one of her podcast episodes. 

She was also speculated to be Jalen Duren after a few eagle-eyed fans drew up similarities in their posts. The interest in her private life had driven a frustrated Angel Reese to declare she wasn’t going to be sharing that part of her life any longer. “Now I see why people hide relationships & keep everything private,” she tweeted. “Like I don’t think I’ll ever openly share that part of my life with y’all again until I’m married ’cause y’all do THE MOST!” 

Reese has realized the importance of keeping a low profile and setting boundaries to protect her peace. She knows that being where you’re truly needed is more fulfilling than being everywhere for everyone. After deleting her Instagram, she had a few more words to those passing comments. “Never telling my side to any story. Think whatever you want idc…”