Angel Reese Faces Backlash for Using Caitlin Clark’s Name and Photo to Promote Podcast

LSU basketball star Angel Reese is under fire for her controversial use of Caitlin Clark’s name and image to promote an episode of her podcast. The move has sparked debate and criticism from fans, media, and the broader basketball community.

Reese, who gained widespread attention after LSU’s NCAA championship victory and her competitive rivalry with Clark, recently shared promotional material for her podcast featuring Clark’s name and photo without prior permission. The episode’s content reportedly centers on their high-profile on-court rivalry, but many feel that using Clark’s likeness in this way crosses a line.

Fans of both athletes are divided. Supporters of Clark argue that it was inappropriate for Reese to leverage Clark’s image for personal gain without consent. They believe that Reese should have focused on her own experiences without bringing Clark into the conversation to attract attention. Others defend Reese, viewing it as part of the competitive dynamic that has existed between the two since their NCAA tournament clash.

The backlash has raised questions about the use of athletes’ images and likenesses, particularly when it involves public figures who share a competitive history. Some have called for more clarity on ethical boundaries for promoting personal projects in the world of sports.

While neither Caitlin Clark nor her representatives have officially responded, the incident has generated significant media attention, and it remains to be seen whether Reese will address the criticism or make changes to her podcast promotion strategy.