VIDEO: Everyone’s Talking About Caitlin Clark’s “Awkward AF” Moment With Her Boyfriend Backstage at WNBA All-Star Weekend

Caitlin Clark has become one of the most recognized faces in basketball. From record-breaking performances to sold-out arenas, she’s used to having all eyes on her. But during WNBA All-Star Weekend, it wasn’t her on-court moves that had people talking—it was a painfully awkward backstage moment with her boyfriend that fans are calling “cringe,” “hilarious,” and “way too real.”

The viral clip was captured just after Clark wrapped up media appearances and headed backstage to reunite with friends and family. One camera caught her walking toward her boyfriend, who was waiting eagerly nearby. The setup seemed perfect for a sweet, lowkey moment—but what unfolded had fans doing double-takes.

Clark approached him with a polite smile and a subtle wave. Her boyfriend appeared ready for a full-on warm embrace or maybe even a celebratory hug—but instead, he got what viewers are calling a stiff, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it side hug. Even more awkwardly, Clark immediately turned her attention to someone else walking past them, barely pausing to acknowledge him before moving on.

It wasn’t long before the internet grabbed hold of the footage—and ran wild with it.

TikTok, Twitter (now X), and Instagram were flooded with reactions. Some viewers laughed it off, dubbing it a relatable “too tired for affection” moment after a long day of media obligations. Others speculated about the couple’s chemistry—or lack thereof.

“She hugged that man like he was her mom’s friend from church,” one user commented.
Another added, “That was the most ‘I’m in work mode, don’t touch me’ hug I’ve ever seen.”

And then came the memes. Within hours, the clip had been edited into parody videos, reaction reels, and mock rom-com trailers—all poking fun at the painfully awkward energy between the couple.

To be fair, Clark had just come off a high-energy, high-pressure All-Star weekend. Between interviews, photo ops, and nonstop fan engagement, it’s understandable that she might have been more focused on decompressing than cuddling. But when you’re one of the most watched athletes in the country, every second you’re on camera is subject to scrutiny—and this moment was no exception.

Some fans defended Clark, pointing out how exhausting these events can be and how a moment taken out of context doesn’t necessarily reflect the reality of a relationship.

Still, the awkwardness was undeniable.

The moment has since sparked broader conversations about how fame, constant media attention, and non-stop schedules affect athletes’ personal lives. When even a hug—or lack of one—can go viral, it’s a reminder of how little privacy remains once the spotlight is on.

As for Clark, she hasn’t commented on the clip—and neither has her boyfriend. But that hasn’t stopped fans from weighing in on everything from body language analysis to full-on breakup predictions (many of which, admittedly, are likely overblown).

What’s certain is this: Caitlin Clark didn’t need to hit a game-winner to get the internet buzzing. All it took was five seconds, one awkward hug, and a camera that happened to be rolling at just the right time.