“‘Fake Feminism’: Sophie Cunningham Blasts WNBA’s ‘Hypocrisy and Performative Activism’ in Deleted Social Media Rant That Rocked the League”

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional women’s basketball, few moments have shaken the WNBA as profoundly as a now-deleted social media post by Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham. The post, which was only online for minutes before being hastily removed, sent shockwaves across sports media and fan communities alike. But those few moments were enough. Fans were quick to screenshot and circulate the controversial message, igniting fierce debates about authenticity, feminism, and the internal politics of the league.

In her bold and brutally honest message, Cunningham called the WNBA “fake and hypocritical,” accusing the league and affiliated media of “performative feminism” and “selective outrage.” Her sharp criticism centered on what she described as the league’s obsession with optics over substance, particularly when it comes to promoting equality and women’s empowerment.

For a league that has prided itself on being progressive, inclusive, and vocal on social issues, Cunningham’s post was more than just a rogue opinion. It was a whistleblow from within.

The Deleted Post That Sparked a Firestorm

The since-deleted Instagram Story, captured and widely shared by fans and sports pages, read:

“It’s all so fake. You don’t care about women’s rights. You care about the image of supporting women’s rights. Y’all pick and choose when to be outraged. When someone speaks the truth, you call it ‘disrespect.’ That’s not feminism — that’s PR.”

Underneath the text, Cunningham included a photo of herself sitting alone on the Mercury bench, the caption dripping with disillusionment. Within 30 minutes, the story disappeared — but the screenshots did not.

Within hours, Cunningham was trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of users debating whether her statements were brave truth-telling or reckless, unprofessional behavior.

The Fallout: Fans, Players, and Media React

The reactions came swiftly and decisively from all corners of the basketball world.

Some fans hailed Cunningham as a hero, praising her for “speaking what many players are afraid to say.” Threads and TikToks flooded social media, accusing the WNBA of silencing dissenting voices, especially when those voices challenge the league’s carefully crafted image.

“Say what you want, but Sophie’s not lying,” wrote one fan on Reddit. “They love to parade players around for campaigns and hashtags but when someone actually points out systemic issues, it becomes a problem.”

Others weren’t as forgiving.

Critics called her message damaging, disrespectful, and divisive. Some journalists accused her of undermining the very movement that has helped give the WNBA its current platform.

“Sophie Cunningham just set the league back five years,” tweeted a prominent women’s sports columnist. “You can critique the system without burning it down.”

Several former players chimed in as well. WNBA veteran Chiney Ogwumike, now an ESPN analyst, commented diplomatically on NBA Today:

“I think Sophie’s frustration is valid — players want to be heard. But there’s a way to be constructive. We can’t forget that real progress has been made, even if it’s not perfect.”

A League at a Crossroads: Image vs. Integrity

Cunningham’s words hit a nerve because they reflect an uncomfortable question: Is the WNBA truly as progressive and feminist as it claims to be — or is it simply capitalizing on those values for branding purposes?

The WNBA has long been lauded for its stances on racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality. In many ways, the league has led where others feared to follow. But as the league grows, so too does the pressure to maintain a flawless public image. For players like Cunningham, that pursuit of perfection may come at a cost.

“It’s easy to throw around slogans and hashtags,” one anonymous player told The Athletic. “It’s harder to deal with internal problems — like how women treat each other in this league, or how the media favors certain faces over others. That’s what Sophie was getting at.”

The idea of “performative activism” — supporting causes for appearances rather than genuine commitment — is not new. But hearing it from an active WNBA player was a gut punch. It forced many to reexamine the gap between the league’s ideals and its internal politics.

Cunningham’s History of Outspokenness

This isn’t the first time Sophie Cunningham has courted controversy. Known for her fiery style of play and refusal to sugarcoat her opinions, she’s had run-ins with both opponents and referees. But this latest episode is different — more ideological, more systemic, and undeniably more personal.

In a 2023 interview, Cunningham hinted at deeper frustrations when she said:

“Sometimes it feels like if you’re not part of the ‘cool crowd’ or the media darlings, your voice doesn’t matter. There’s a hierarchy, even in a league that preaches equality.”

Her comments, though vague at the time, now feel like a precursor to her recent social media outburst.

Media’s Role in the Firestorm

Sophie’s deleted post also took aim at the media, whom she accused of “cherry-picking narratives” and elevating only those players who fit a particular mold.

“Y’all don’t want diversity of opinion,” her story continued. “You want uniformity. And if someone doesn’t smile and nod for the cameras, they’re ‘problematic.’ That’s not empowerment — that’s control.”

This critique has been echoed by others in recent months. A growing number of fans and insiders have begun to notice the disproportionate coverage given to select stars, often at the expense of other talented athletes.

The question lingers: Is media coverage in the WNBA driven more by substance or by marketability?

Silence from the League Office

In the wake of the controversy, the WNBA has remained conspicuously silent. No official statement has been made regarding Cunningham’s post, though several reports suggest that she was privately reprimanded and may face a fine.

When asked about it during a post-game press conference, Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts deflected:

“We’re focused on basketball right now. Sophie’s a competitor. We’ll handle internal matters internally.”

This evasiveness has only fueled more speculation. Is the league afraid to address valid criticism for fear of tarnishing its image? Or is it simply trying to contain a PR crisis before it spirals further?

Divided Locker Rooms?

Insiders have hinted at growing tensions within WNBA locker rooms. While unity and sisterhood have been key themes promoted by the league, the truth may be more complicated. Some players reportedly feel stifled by the league’s branding machine — afraid that any deviation from the script could get them “canceled” or benched.

One anonymous player told Yahoo Sports:

“People act like we’re one big happy family, but it’s not like that. Some players are scared to say anything that’s not ‘on brand.’ Sophie said the quiet part out loud.”

Whether or not Cunningham’s delivery was appropriate, it’s clear that she tapped into an undercurrent of discontent that’s been bubbling beneath the surface.

What Happens Now?

As the dust settles, the league faces a reckoning. Sophie Cunningham may have deleted her post, but the conversation it sparked is far from over.

Will the WNBA address the deeper issues of player expression, internal favoritism, and media bias? Or will it simply fine Cunningham and move on, hoping the news cycle forgets?

There’s no easy answer. The league is still young, still growing, and still figuring out how to balance professionalism with activism, individuality with unity.

But one thing is certain: Sophie Cunningham has forced the WNBA to confront its reflection in the mirror. Whether the league chooses to look closely — or turn away — will determine how authentic its commitment to empowerment really is.

Final Thoughts

Cunningham’s deleted post might go down as one of the most polarizing moments in WNBA history — not because of its tone, but because of its truth. Love her or hate her, she’s challenged the league to be better, bolder, and more honest with itself.

Because as she wrote in her final line:

“Real empowerment isn’t about control — it’s about allowing different voices to be heard, even the ones that make you uncomfortable.”

Now, it’s the WNBA’s turn to respond. Not with silence, not with spin — but with action.