After enduring a challenging year marked by backlash and hateful comments, Angel Reese revealed in an emotional speech that she has faced death threats. Reese spoke out at a press conference following her team’s season-ending loss in the NCAA Final Four, describing the difficulties she has encountered since winning the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
“I’ve been through so much,” Reese shared with reporters. “I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times, death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened, I’ve been so many things, and I’ve stood strong every single time.”
Despite the criticism and challenges, Reese emphasized her commitment to staying true to herself and not changing her image or approach. “All this has happened since I won the national championship,” she said. “And it sucks, but I still wouldn’t change anything, and I would still sit here and say I’m unapologetically me. I’m going to always leave that mark and be who I am and stand on that.”
Angel Reese’s Support From Teammates
Reese’s teammates, including Flau’jae Johnson and Hailey Van Lith, rallied behind her, praising her resilience and character. Johnson defended Reese, highlighting the stark contrast between public perception and the reality of who Reese truly is. “Man, let me tell you something. Everybody can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but y’all don’t know her,” Johnson stated. “I know the real Angel Reese, and the person I see every day is a strong person, is a caring, loving person. But the crown she wears is heavy.”
Van Lith echoed Johnson’s sentiments, describing Reese as one of the toughest individuals she has encountered. “I think Angel is one of the toughest people I’ve been around,” Van Lith remarked. “People speak hate into her life. I’ve never seen people wish bad things on someone as much as her, and it does not affect her. She comes to practice every day. She lives her life every day. She lives how she wants to live, and she don’t let nobody change that. That’s the key to life right there. Y’all do not get to her. Let me say it again. Y’all do not get to Angel Reese. So you might want to throw the towel in because you’re wasting your energy.”
Reese and the Lady Tigers faced a challenging defeat against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA Final Four, with a score of 94-87. The game served as a rematch of the 2023 NCAA Championship, which LSU won.