The WNBA has opened an investigation into alleged “monkey noises” made by an Indiana Fever fan toward Angel Reese. The incident happened during the Fever’s season opener against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana on Saturday.
Fever superstar Caitlin Clark fouled Sky star Angel Reese late in the 3rd quarter. Caitlin’s foul came after Angel pushed Fever center Aliyah Boston to grab a rebound. Caitlin objected to the refs blatantly ignoring Angel’s foul. So she took matters into her own hands.
Unnecessary contact from Caitlin Clark on Angel Reese. Flagrant 1 #WNBA ? pic.twitter.com/pML9JynLOs
— Rich Cole of RCTV (@iamRichCole) May 17, 2025
There are reports that some Fever fans made racist comments toward Angel as she returned to the bench.
But Fever fans uploaded video clips to social media that prove no one yelled racial slurs at Angel Reese.
One X user compiled a video collage of an Indiana Fever fan yodeling during the game. This is the “monkey noise” that sports journalists claim was directed at Angel Reese.
Please watch and use – this is the source of the "monkey" noises. They keep deleting this off the WNBA reddit. pic.twitter.com/aU5yljSr88
— Caitlin Clark Stan account (@jamelehill) May 19, 2025
Video evidence didn’t stop the WNBA from issuing a statement on Sunday about the alleged racial incidents.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society,” the league said in the statement. “We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
The WNBA benefits from lying about racial animosity between Caitlin Clark’s fans and Angel Reese. Racial drama brings more eyes to the WNBA.
The so-called “rivalry” between Caitlin and Angel falls flat because Angel is a subpar basketball player. Her fans, the media, and the WNBA are forced to manufacture racial drama to boost Angel’s relevance.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy called the racism allegations against Angel Reese “bullsh-t.” He chastised the WNBA for giving “credence” to an “internet rumor” while claiming all the league does is “sh-t on” Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
Portnoy attended the game on Saturday. He confirmed that no racial slurs were directed at Angel Reese.
Meanwhile, the WNBA’s 2025 No. 1 pick, Paige Bueckers (left), has coasted through 2 WNBA games so far with no racial drama directed her way.
But unlike Caitlin, Paige is a lesbian, so she’s not considered a threat to the other 80% of LGBTQ+ WNBA players.
Please watch and use – this is the source of the "monkey" noises. They keep deleting this off the WNBA reddit. pic.twitter.com/aU5yljSr88
— Caitlin Clark Stan account (@jamelehill) May 19, 2025
