In a deeply emotional and powerful statement, Angel Reese, the WNBA star known for her outspoken personality and fierce on-court performance, has responded to growing criticism over her facial hair. After being bombarded with online comments telling her to “shave her mustache,” Reese opened up about the hurtful impact these remarks have had on her, using the opportunity to highlight the racial undertones behind the backlash.
Reese, who has always been unapologetically herself on and off the court, was quick to defend her natural appearance, explaining that her facial hair is a result of genetics. In an emotional response on social media, she said, “I shave daily. I’m hairy because of my genes. But it’s not about the hair—it’s about the way people are treating me because of it.”
The remarks Reese received didn’t stop with comments about her grooming habits. Many fans and critics have made racist and sexist jabs at her, with some taking issue with her appearance as a whole. Reese’s decision to address the issue head-on was fueled by the need to call out what she sees as an underlying double standard—a reaction shaped by her identity as a Black woman.
Racism and Beauty Standards
The criticism Reese faced is not new, particularly for women of color in the public eye. Historically, Black women have been subjected to rigid beauty standards that often reject natural features like fuller facial hair, darker skin tones, or textured hair. While facial hair on women, regardless of their ethnicity, is often a topic of ridicule, Reese believes the scrutiny she faces is racially charged.
In her statement, she acknowledged the harsh reality of being a Black woman in the spotlight: “People want me to fit into their idea of beauty, but it’s not for them to decide. My body, my face, my hair—this is who I am. Why should I have to conform to something that isn’t true to myself?”
Reese also expressed her frustration with the fact that male athletes, especially those in the NBA, rarely face the same level of scrutiny when it comes to their appearance, especially regarding things like facial hair. “You never hear anyone telling LeBron James or James Harden to shave their beards or mustaches, but when it comes to me, suddenly it’s an issue,” Reese said. “It’s not about grooming—it’s about attacking me because of who I am and how I look.”
Addressing Online Hate
Reese’s comments also addressed the toxic nature of social media and the toll it can take on public figures. “People hide behind screens and say whatever they want without thinking about the real impact of their words,” she said. “I’m just trying to live my life and do what I love, but this kind of hate, it hurts. I’m not just an athlete; I’m a person with feelings.”
Her emotional outcry comes after a series of online attacks where some individuals, rather than celebrating her success, have focused on her appearance, attempting to diminish her achievements by targeting her physical traits. In the same post, Reese took a stand against body-shaming and online harassment, calling on her followers to respect individuals’ differences and to embrace natural beauty in all forms.
“I’m not here to look pretty for anyone. I’m here to play basketball and to do my job,” Reese said. “If I have facial hair, so be it. I’ve got other things to worry about, like winning games and staying healthy. What really matters is what I do on that court.”
Standing Strong in the Face of Adversity
Despite the hurt, Reese remains resolute in her belief that people should embrace their authentic selves, no matter what others think. “We live in a world where it’s easy to tear people down. But my message is simple: Be yourself. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than,” she said. “I’m not going to change because someone tells me to. I love myself just as I am, and that’s what matters.”
Reese’s vulnerability and openness about the personal toll of public criticism are powerful reminders of the broader challenges athletes—especially women of color—face when it comes to being judged for their looks instead of their talents.
In the wake of Reese’s comments, many fans, both in the WNBA and beyond, have rallied to her side, offering support and denouncing the body-shaming that continues to plague public figures, especially women. The backlash has spurred a broader conversation about beauty standards in sports, the treatment of Black women in media, and the pervasive culture of online hate.
The Bigger Picture: Embracing Diversity and Breaking Barriers
Reese’s courage in addressing the issue head-on speaks to the broader need for a shift in how we view beauty and athleticism. Her fight is not just against online haters but also against a system that too often demands conformity, particularly from women of color.
By standing up for herself, Reese is not only asserting her right to exist as she is but also setting an example for other athletes, especially young women, to do the same. Her words echo the sentiment that beauty, in all its forms, is subjective, and it is not for anyone to dictate.
As Reese continues to break barriers on the court, her message about self-love and rejecting harmful beauty standards is just as powerful off the court. In a time where diversity and inclusion are key to changing the narrative, Angel Reese’s story reminds us that every individual has the right to define their own beauty, without apology or shame.
Her message is clear: “I’m not here to fit into someone else’s mold. I’m here to make my own. And if you don’t like it, that’s your problem, not mine.”
