Angel Reese is being harshly criticized by her own fans. The reason will shock you!

The spotlight has been following Angel Reese ever since her WNBA debut, but the attention isn’t always positive. In a surprising twist, it’s not rival teams or media critics who are slamming her—it’s her own fan base. Over the weekend, social media platforms erupted with harsh criticism from those who once stood by the Chicago Sky rookie, sparking one of the most unexpected backlashes of her career.

So what did Angel Reese do to deserve such heat from her supporters?

It all started with a post-game interview after a tough loss against the Las Vegas Aces. Reese, visibly frustrated, appeared to minimize her own role in the defeat while subtly throwing shade at her teammates. Her exact words: “I know I’m giving everything out there. I just hope the rest of the team catches up.” The comment immediately drew ire from fans who felt she lacked accountability and humility.

“It’s disappointing to hear that from her,” one longtime fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We supported her when the media painted her as the villain. But this? This isn’t leadership.”

Another fan echoed, “She’s always been confident, and we loved that. But now it’s arrogance. Blaming your team when you’re part of the loss? That’s not how stars behave.”

This was only the beginning. Screenshots of her liking negative posts about her teammates started circulating. Whether intentional or accidental, fans took it as confirmation of an internal rift in the locker room. Rumors of locker room tension spread rapidly. Though unverified, they were enough to trigger even more criticism from her core supporters.

Making things worse, Reese reposted a cryptic message on Instagram: “Real ones don’t fold when fake love fades.” Many interpreted it as a jab at fans who had turned on her, fueling the fire instead of putting it out.

Former college teammates and some sports analysts also weighed in. ESPN’s Monica McNutt commented, “There’s a fine line between being a competitor and being divisive. Angel needs to take a step back and remember what leadership looks like at the pro level.”

To her credit, Reese tried to clarify the situation in a follow-up post: “I’m passionate. I speak from the heart. But I respect every single one of my teammates. We grow from losses—not point fingers.” However, for some fans, the damage had already been done.

This wave of backlash reveals something deeper about the expectations placed on rising athletes. Reese, who proudly calls herself the “Bayou Barbie,” has built a brand around being unapologetically bold and outspoken. But fans are now questioning where that confidence crosses the line.

Interestingly, many of those criticizing her were also the loudest in defending her during last year’s NCAA tournament drama with Caitlin Clark. That same loyalty is what makes this turn so jarring. When your own base begins to doubt you, it’s not just a PR issue—it’s a brand identity crisis.

Still, not everyone has turned their back. Some fans are pleading for patience, urging others to remember that she’s just 22 and adjusting to the demands of the professional league. “She’ll learn,” one wrote. “But she needs to listen first.”

For Angel Reese, this episode is a wake-up call. The support of a fanbase isn’t unconditional—it’s built on trust, humility, and growth. Whether she rebounds from this moment stronger or continues to alienate her supporters remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the honeymoon phase with her fans is officially over.