Angel Reese Twerking in Viral Video: Analyzing the Backlash, Support, and Broader Impact on Sports Culture

In a moment that captivated the sports world and sparked intense conversations, Angel Reese, the standout star of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, became the center of a viral video that featured her twerking.

The video quickly garnered millions of views, making its way across social media platforms and igniting debates about the intersection of sports, social media, race, and gender.

What followed was a mix of backlash, support, and a growing conversation about the way athletes—especially women—are perceived both on and off the court.

In this article, we dive into the key events surrounding the viral moment, analyze the reactions from fans, pundits, and fellow athletes, and explore the broader implications for sports culture, particularly for women’s athletics.

We will also examine how this viral moment fits into the wider context of social media and the evolving nature of celebrity in the modern world of sports.

The Viral Moment: How It All Started

The video in question, featuring Angel Reese twerking, was filmed after LSU’s thrilling victory in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship.

The win capped off a stellar season for Reese and her teammates, and the celebrations following the game were both joyous and exuberant.

While the action itself was lighthearted and playful, the viral nature of the video was immediate. It wasn’t long before social media users across platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok were sharing the footage, which quickly became a topic of discussion on national and international scales.

In the video, Reese and some of her teammates are seen celebrating their victory with a dance that included twerking—a form of dance that involves rhythmic hip movements and has become a staple in hip-hop culture.

Reese, a dynamic player known for her aggressive playstyle and charismatic personality, owned the moment, dancing in celebration with her signature confidence.

However, the celebration was not universally received with the same enthusiasm.

As the video spread, it was met with a range of responses, from cheers of support to sharp criticisms.

What followed was a firestorm of reactions that would not only fuel debates about the behavior of female athletes but also bring into focus the intersection of race, gender, and social media in sports culture.

The Backlash: Criticism and Double Standards

Almost immediately after the video went viral, critics began to voice their disapproval.

A significant portion of the backlash came from those who felt that Reese’s celebration was inappropriate for a public figure, especially one in the spotlight following a major achievement.

Some suggested that twerking—considered by some to be a provocative and sexually charged dance move—was too much of a display for a professional athlete, especially in the aftermath of a major national sporting event.

This criticism was not limited to casual sports fans. Prominent voices in sports media also weighed in. Some questioned whether Reese’s behavior would have been scrutinized in the same way if it had been a male athlete performing a similar dance.

This sparked a conversation about the double standards faced by female athletes—particularly Black women—in sports. Reese, like many other women in athletics, found herself subjected to greater levels of public scrutiny for her off-court actions than her male counterparts would likely face.

The Support: Empowering Celebration and Black Womanhood

On the other side of the debate, many fans and athletes came to Reese’s defense, celebrating her for unapologetically owning her moment of joy and self-expression.

Supporters pointed out that celebrating victories with dance is a long-standing tradition in sports, and female athletes should be allowed to express themselves just as freely as male athletes.

Prominent Black women in sports, including tennis star Serena Williams and Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, offered their support, calling out the unfair judgment that Reese was facing.

Many of these athletes highlighted the racial component of the backlash, pointing out that Black women are often penalized more harshly for showing personality or engaging in forms of expression that are deemed too bold or inappropriate by mainstream society.

Reese herself, in interviews following the video’s release, emphasized that she was simply celebrating her team’s hard work and the victory that had been years in the making.

Reese’s celebration was seen as a representation of Black womanhood—strong, vibrant, and unapologetic.

For many, it was empowering to see a Black woman athlete take ownership of her body and express herself without hesitation, despite the potential backlash.

Social Media’s Role: The Amplification of Celebrity and Controversy

The rapid spread of Reese’s video underscores the powerful role social media plays in the modern sports landscape.

In an era where moments can go viral in an instant, athletes have more access to public platforms than ever before.

This also means that their every move, whether on the court or in their personal lives, is scrutinized by millions of viewers.

For athletes like Reese, social media provides a direct avenue for them to connect with their fans and showcase their personalities, but it also opens them up to the potential for criticism.

While some may view Reese’s twerking as part of the natural evolution of celebrity in sports, others might argue that it crosses a line that athletes—especially women—should not cross.

In this case, social media amplified the divide between those who embraced Reese’s celebration and those who were quick to criticize.

The very nature of social media encourages instant opinions, and the ability for users to share videos, memes, and comments only escalated the debate.

From celebrity endorsements to Twitter threads, the conversation surrounding Reese’s twerking video became an example of the complexities of fame in the age of social media.

Broader Conversations: Gender, Race, and the Policing of Black Athletes

Angel Reese’s viral moment is part of a broader cultural conversation that touches on race, gender, and how female athletes—particularly Black women—are perceived.

Throughout history, Black women in sports have faced different standards than their white counterparts, often being judged more harshly for their expressions of identity, style, and behavior.

This reality has been evident in the way Reese has been portrayed in the media.

For instance, her playful twerking was viewed by some as unprofessional or “too much,” but similar displays by male athletes—especially Black athletes—often go unnoticed or are celebrated as part of their larger-than-life personas.

Critics of Reese’s celebration have been quick to cast judgment on her actions without acknowledging the broader historical context of how Black women’s expressions are policed in ways that their male peers are not.

In recent years, athletes like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka have faced similar scrutiny for showing emotion or asserting themselves in ways that male athletes might be praised for.

Williams, in particular, has spoken out against the way she has been treated by the media, noting that her competitive spirit is often labeled as “angry” or “unruly,” a label rarely given to male athletes who display similar intensity.

Reese’s twerking, then, must be viewed within the larger conversation about how Black women athletes are expected to navigate the intersection of competition, identity, and public persona.

It’s a conversation that continues to evolve as athletes like Reese challenge expectations and push boundaries.

The Legacy of Angel Reese: A New Era for Women’s Sports

In the aftermath of the viral moment, Angel Reese’s story has become one of empowerment, defiance, and the changing face of women’s sports.

Reese’s unapologetic celebration is a sign of the times, where athletes, particularly women of color, are beginning to reshape the narrative around how they should behave and express themselves.

Reese’s boldness is inspiring a new generation of athletes who are unafraid to showcase their true selves, both on and off the court.

Her viral video was a defining moment not only for her but for the entire landscape of women’s athletics.

It represented the convergence of sports, social media, and celebrity culture in a way that has never been seen before.

As more women in sports break the mold and take ownership of their personal brand and identity, Reese’s twerking video stands as a reminder that athletes, especially women of color, will continue to challenge the boundaries of what is expected and allowed in the world of sports.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Women in Sports?

Angel Reese’s twerking video may have started as a simple, celebratory moment, but it quickly turned into a focal point for larger discussions about race, gender, and self-expression in the world of sports.