Michael Jordan Sparks Outrage After Publicly Criticizing Angel Reese: “She Has No Real Skills, Just Sexy Photos”

Basketball legend’s blunt comments ignite a fiery social media storm as fans, analysts, and WNBA players rally in response

In a stunning turn of events that has taken both the sports world and social media by storm, NBA icon and six-time champion Michael Jordan is facing backlash after delivering scathing remarks aimed at rising women’s basketball star Angel Reese.

During what appeared to be a candid conversation at a private event—later leaked online and verified by multiple sources—Jordan reportedly criticized the LSU and WNBA standout for “lacking real skills” and accused her of prioritizing “sexy photos online” over focusing on elevating her game.

The comments, first shared by a prominent sports blogger and subsequently picked up by ESPN, Bleacher Report, and TMZ, immediately went viral. Hashtags such as #AngelReese, #MichaelJordan, and #RespectWomenAthletes trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram within hours.

The online firestorm has since become one of the most controversial sports stories of 2025, igniting passionate debates around gender, performance, and how female athletes are perceived in the media spotlight.

Michael Jordan’s Controversial Quote: What He Allegedly Said

According to a leaked audio clip, which several media outlets have authenticated, Jordan can be heard saying:

“I don’t see the hype. I see more photoshoots than practice shots. Where are the real skills? The league’s being turned into a runway show.”

Though he never directly mentioned Angel Reese by name, the context of the conversation and accompanying video footage—combined with his mention of “viral crown gestures” and “taunting opponents instead of beating them”—made it evident to listeners that the comments were directed at Reese.

The backlash was immediate.

Social Media Backlash: Fans and Players React

Angel Reese, a polarizing yet highly followed figure in women’s basketball, boasts over 3.2 million Instagram followers and nearly 2 million on TikTok.

Known for her unapologetic confidence, fashion-forward appearances, and outspoken interviews, she quickly responded to the controversy with a cryptic tweet:

“Imagine being the GOAT and still hating on a girl half your age just for shining different. Do better.”

WNBA players including A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu were quick to rally behind Reese.

Wilson posted on her Instagram story, “Why are we STILL having this convo? Let her cook. MJ, you trippin.” Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Monica McNutt tweeted, “Critique the game, not the glamour.”

Jordan Faces Backlash from Women’s Sports Advocates

Jordan, widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, has largely remained quiet on issues surrounding women’s sports—until now.

His sudden and harsh criticism has raised eyebrows not only for its content but also for its tone, which many described as dismissive and outdated.

Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach in the NFL and an advocate for women in sports, commented during a live interview on CNN:

“Michael Jordan built his brand on style, dominance, and marketability. It’s ironic—and frankly sad—to see him disparage a young Black woman who’s following that same playbook in a new era.”

Critics argue that Jordan’s remarks are emblematic of a larger issue: the constant scrutiny and double standards faced by female athletes, particularly Black women, when it comes to balancing performance and personal branding.

Supporters Defend Jordan: “He’s Just Keeping It Real”

While much of the online commentary skewed negative toward Jordan, some fans and analysts defended his remarks.

Former NBA star Charles Oakley appeared on Undisputed and offered his take:

“Mike’s old school. He wants to see hard work, not highlights. If you’re more known for your outfits than your stat line, that’s gonna rub legends the wrong way.”

Fox Sports’ Jason Whitlock also chimed in, saying Jordan “wasn’t wrong—just honest.”

“Young athletes today sometimes forget that winning should speak louder than your social media posts. Jordan’s message might’ve been rough, but it’s not baseless,” Whitlock said.

The Legacy of Angel Reese: Style and Substance?

Angel Reese rose to national fame during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, where she helped lead LSU to its first national championship.

Her postgame taunts toward Iowa’s Caitlin Clark stirred media debate but also elevated her into the mainstream conversation.

She has since capitalized on NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, amassing millions through partnerships with brands like Reebok, Coach, and Mielle Organics.

She was recently featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition and walked the runway at New York Fashion Week.

But critics, including Jordan, argue that her fame has outpaced her development on the court.

After being selected in the WNBA Draft, her rookie season stats have been modest, and her team failed to make a deep playoff run.

Still, many believe she brings an energy and marketability to women’s basketball that has long been lacking.

“She’s not just an athlete—she’s a brand,” said sports marketing executive Deja Harris.

“In a league fighting for visibility, Angel Reese is gold. If anything, Michael Jordan should be supporting her evolution, not tearing it down.”

A History of Female Athletes Being Policed for Image

Reese is not the first high-profile female athlete to face criticism for blending style with sport.

Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and even Jordan’s own former teammate Lisa Leslie have all endured public scrutiny for their looks, outfits, or off-court behavior.

This latest controversy revives ongoing questions: Why are women in sports constantly asked to choose between beauty and athleticism?

Why is confidence interpreted as arrogance in female athletes but considered leadership in men?

As WNBA viewership continues to rise—up 31% year-over-year—Reese’s visibility is seen by many as a pivotal factor.

She represents a new generation of athletes who embrace dual identities: elite performer and social media personality.

Michael Jordan: Silent or Strategizing?

As of publication, Jordan has not issued a public apology or statement to clarify his remarks.

Sources close to the Hall-of-Famer suggest he may address the controversy in an upcoming appearance on the All the Smoke podcast, hosted by Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson.

Yet some insiders believe this silence is strategic. “MJ’s never been one to walk back his words,” said a former Chicago Bulls media staffer. “If anything, he might double down.”

Still, sponsors and brand partners are reportedly concerned. One source at Nike stated off the record, “We respect Michael’s legacy, but this generation is different. Alienating future icons isn’t a good look.”

The Bigger Picture: Women’s Basketball at a Crossroads

This feud comes at a pivotal time for the WNBA, which is seeing unprecedented growth. Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, and Angel Reese have redefined what women’s college basketball can look like—and fans are now following them into the professional leagues.

Reese, with her unapologetic demeanor and viral social presence, is both the face of this new era and a lightning rod for criticism.

Whether Jordan’s comments derail her momentum or simply add fuel to her fire remains to be seen.

In the days following the controversy, Reese posted a series of videos training in the gym, captioned: “Let them talk. I’m working.”

 Bridging the Generational Gap

Michael Jordan’s comments, while harsh, reflect a generational gap in how athletes are judged. For Jordan, success meant dominance on the court and silence off of it.

For Reese and her peers, success is both athletic achievement and brand building—intertwined in ways older legends may not fully appreciate.

As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: the landscape of basketball is changing, and players like Angel Reese are at the forefront.

Whether Michael Jordan chooses to walk back his remarks or not, the conversation has already shifted toward a larger reckoning in sports. In the end, Reese may prove her critics wrong the best way she knows how—by winning.