Sexyy Red slaps Angel Reese’s butt on podcast interview

Angel Reese’s Twerk Moment with Sexyy Red Goes Viral

Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s dynamic forward and a rising WNBA star, has transcended the basketball court to become a cultural icon. Her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, launched in September 2024 on the Playmaker network, has quickly gained traction, boasting 113,000 YouTube subscribers and featuring high-profile guests like Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and rapper Sexyy Red.

The show offers fans a glimpse into Reese’s unfiltered personality, blending sports, fashion, and pop culture. However, a recent episode featuring Sexyy Red sparked controversy when behind-the-scenes footage showed Reese twerking, prompting debates about her image and the oversexualization of women in sports and entertainment. This article dives into the Angel Reese podcast controversy, her multifaceted career, and the broader challenges female athletes face in navigating public perception.

Rookie Record Breaker to Reebok Star: Angel Reese’s Meteoric Rise

As a Chicago Sky rookie, Angel Reese has already carved out her place in WNBA history. Selected seventh overall in the 2024 draft, she wasted no time breaking records—setting the league’s single-season rebounding mark and securing a spot on the All-Star roster. Her powerful on-court presence, matched with her vibrant personality, has made her a cornerstone for the Sky’s future and a beacon for young fans across the country.

But it’s off the court where Reese has truly amplified her reach. With 4.6 million Instagram followers as of January 2025, she is officially the most-followed WNBA player—an asset that brands have eagerly tapped into. She signed endorsement deals with Reebok, McDonald’s, and the iconic Reese’s candy brand. In August 2024, she inked a playful and powerful deal with Reese’s, launching a co-branded apparel collection. Then in February 2025, she broke new ground again as the first female athlete to have a McDonald’s meal named after her: the Angel Reese Special, complete with a quarter pounder with cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, fries, and a drink.

Nicknamed the “Bayou Barbie” during her LSU days for her fierce game-day glam and Baton Rouge roots, Reese attempted to trademark the name early on. After joining the Chicago Sky, the nickname evolved to “Chi Barbie,” representing both her new city and style. Her branding remains consistent: bold, unapologetic, and unmistakably her.

From Courtside to Culture Shaper: Podcasting, Fashion & Controversy

Reese’s presence is being felt far beyond basketball. In addition to her growing sports legacy, she’s been featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, TIME’s 100 Next list, Harper’s Bazaar Icons, and Forbes 30 Under 30. She even appeared in Latto and Cardi B’s “Put It on da Floor Again” music video and starred in the NIL-focused docuseries The Money Game: LSU, which was nominated for an Emmy.

Her hometown of Randallstown, Maryland, honored her by naming a newly renovated basketball court “Angel Reese Court.” She also threw out the first pitch at a Baltimore Orioles game and received the key to the city from the mayor—symbolizing her rapid rise from local standout to national figure.

In September 2024, Reese stepped into the media world with her podcast Unapologetically Angel on the Playmaker Network. The weekly show highlights her personal takes, interviews, and viral moments—none more talked about than her recent episode featuring rapper Sexyy Red. To promote the episode, Reese joined Red in a playful twerking moment, where Red slapped her on the butt—a clip that quickly went viral.

While many fans saw it as harmless fun and a reflection of Reese’s vibrant personality, others questioned whether it contradicted her previous comments about being oversexualized as an athlete. The moment sparked a wider cultural conversation about double standards, femininity in sports, and self-expression.

Still, Angel Reese’s trajectory remains steep. Whether breaking records, signing major deals, or stirring up conversation in pop culture, she’s not just playing the game—she’s changing it.

Unapologetically Angel: Redefining the Athlete’s Voice

The Angel Reese podcast has become a platform for the 22-year-old Chicago Sky star to showcase her authenticity. Nicknamed “Chi Barbie” for her bold style and confidence, Reese uses Unapologetically Angel to discuss her life, from her WNBA journey to her views on love and fashion. The podcast’s success lies in its alignment with user intent: fans want to connect with Reese beyond the court, and her candid conversations deliver. Episodes cover topics like her record-breaking rookie season, where she averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds, and her ventures into fashion, including a 2025 Vogue cover. By inviting guests like Sexyy Red, Reese bridges sports and entertainment, appealing to a diverse audience seeking relatable, unfiltered content.

Sexyy Red’s Appearance: A Viral Moment

The Angel Reese podcast episode featuring Sexyy Red, released in December 2024, became a lightning rod for discussion. Sexyy Red, known for her provocative hits like “Pound Town” and “SkeeYee,” brought her signature energy to the show. The two discussed music, fashion, and relationships, with Reese expressing her belief in marriage and fidelity. However, a behind-the-scenes clip of Reese twerking while Sexyy Red playfully smacked her went viral, amassing millions of views. For some, the moment was a fun expression of camaraderie; for others, it clashed with Reese’s earlier statements about being tired of oversexualization. This dichotomy sparked a polarized reaction, highlighting the scrutiny female athletes face.

Chicago Sky Star: Balancing Fame and Basketball

As a Chicago Sky rookie, Reese has already made history. Selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, she set the league’s single-season rebounding record and earned All-Star honors. Her athletic prowess, paired with her magnetic personality, has positioned her as a cornerstone for the Sky’s future. Off the court, Reese’s influence is undeniable. With millions of Instagram followers, she’s the most-followed WNBA player. Leveraging her platform for endorsements. Her Angel Reese podcast extends this influence, but the Sexyy Red episode raised questions about how her off-court actions shape her professional image.

Oversexualization: A Persistent Challenge for Women in Sports

The controversy surrounding the Angel Reese podcast episode underscores a broader issue: the oversexualization of women in sports and entertainment. Female athletes like Reese often face a double standard, where their talent is overshadowed by commentary on their appearance or behavior. Reese has spoken out against this, noting in 2024 that fans created AI-generated explicit images of her, prompting her to call for an end to sexualization. Yet, her twerking moment with Sexyy Red led some to argue she was contradicting herself. This criticism reflects a societal tendency to police women’s self-expression, particularly Black female athletes, who face added layers of scrutiny rooted in race and gender.

The WNBA has taken steps to combat hate and promote respect through its “No Space for Hate” campaign, launched in 2025. However, incidents like the racial slurs directed at Reese during a game against the Indiana Fever highlight the ongoing challenges. The Angel Reese podcast controversy amplifies this conversation, as fans and critics debate whether her actions invite objectification or simply reflect her freedom to have fun. Sexyy Red, whose public image is overtly sexual, adds complexity to the narrative, as her collaboration with Reese was seen by some as empowering and by others as reinforcing stereotypes.

WNBA’s Evolving Landscape: Reese as a Cultural Force

Reese’s Angel Reese podcast is part of a larger trend of WNBA players breaking barriers in media. Alongside stars like Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, Reese is redefining what it means to be a female athlete. Her podcast’s success, coupled with her Unrivaled league participation, shows her commitment to elevating women’s sports. Yet, the backlash to her twerking moment reveals the tightrope female athletes walk: they must balance authenticity with public expectations. Reese’s resilience shines through, as she continues to embrace her “Chi Barbie” persona while addressing criticism with poise.

Navigating Criticism: Reese’s Response and Future

Reese has not directly addressed the Angel Reese podcast twerking controversy, but her history suggests she’ll remain unapologetic. In response to earlier backlash, she’s used social media to call out misinformation and defend her authenticity. Her focus remains on growth, both on the court—where she’s preparing for her sophomore WNBA season—and off it, through ventures like Unapologetically Angel. The podcast’s ability to spark conversation, even controversy, underscores its cultural impact. For fans seeking insight into Reese’s world, the show offers a raw, engaging perspective, but it also invites scrutiny that male athletes rarely face.

Empowering or Polarizing?

The Angel Reese podcast episode with Sexyy Red encapsulates the complexities of being a modern female athlete. Reese’s twerking moment, while playful to some, reignited debates about oversexualization in the WNBA and beyond. Her ability to navigate fame, from Chicago Sky stardom to podcasting, showcases her versatility, but it also highlights the unique pressures women face in the industry. As Reese continues to break records and barriers, her story invites readers to reflect on how society perceives and critiques female athletes. Want to join the conversation? Check out Unapologetically Angel and share your thoughts on Reese’s impact.