WNBA star Breanna Stewart and her wife Marta Xargay are facing the dark side of sports fame as they confront disturbing homophobic threats aimed at Xargay following Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. These threats have sparked outrage and concern not just for the couple but among players and advocates championing for inclusivity within the league.
Stewart, who plays for the New York Liberty, is no stranger to high-stakes pressure, being a two-time WNBA MVP and leading her team to the Finals. But after her performance on October 13, when the Liberty lost to the Minnesota Lynx, things took a troubling turn. Stewart's wife received anonymous threatening emails containing vile and violent language. The senders expressed wishes for harm, with one message even stating, "I hope someone shoots your wife dead" and included slurs which, though misspelled, conveyed hostility and hate, aiming to intimidate the couple.
Addressing the media, Stewart emphasized how personal and invasive such threats are, explaining just how unsettling it is for her wife to receive them directly. "The fact it came to Marta’s email — it’s just something she had to see. The level of closeness was different," Stewart reflected during practice. "We’re taking the proper precautions. I think the threats continue to build after Game 1. We love having people engaged with our sport, but not to the point where there are threats or harassment or homophobic comments being made," she added.
Following these alarming developments, the couple reported the email to their team, which took immediate steps by notifying both the WNBA and league security. Subsequently, they filed reports with the New York Police Department (NYPD). The investigation is now being handled by the NYPD's hate crimes task force, which has confirmed it is taking the matter seriously.
The WNBA, via its representatives, issued strong condemnations of the threats, asserting, "We continue to stress there is absolutely no room for hateful behavior against players, teams, or anyone involved with the WNBA." They are now collaborating with the Liberty and law enforcement to determine and implement appropriate security measures for the couple and others.
This incident highlights the rising tide of abuse athletes are facing, especially those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Stewart's concerns resonate with many players as she noted, "Sometimes, people are taking things too far and out of hand. Marta had gotten homophobic death threats, and it’s important to keep everyone safe." The influx of such abusive messages isn't just isolated to Stewart; other players have reported similar experiences within the league.
Players like Alyssa Thomas have recently spoken out about the increasing racist comments they have faced on social media, particularly after heated matchups. The Connecticut Sun veteran stated, "I’ve never experienced racial comments like this before, especially coming from the Indiana Fever fan base. There’s no place for it." Such sentiments reflect the broader concern among athletes about the treatment they receive from fans, especially online.
Adding to the conversation, Stewart rhetorically questioned, "Why is this happening? Because we're the most inclusive league across all professional sports, and I can say this with confidence. But there’s no place for hate." She expressed her hope to use her platform to raise awareness on this issue, urging everyone to recognize the impact of these comments and behaviors.
The couple’s plight doesn't just stay within the basketball community. The seriousness of their situation calls for broader discussions on safety, respect, and support for LGBTQ+ athletes. The league's commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, has publicly acknowledged the need for additional protective measures, including potentially increasing security at games and for travel. This season has shown us the levels of intolerance still prevalent, but it has also showcased the resilience and solidarity among athletes against such hate.
After their initial challenges, the couple found strength and support amid the adversity. Stewart rallied back in Game 2, setting a WNBA finals record with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and seven steals, where the Liberty managed to bounce back and win against the Lynx, leveling the series to 1-1.
With Game 3 looming, fans are left not only to support their teams but also to stand against the intolerable behaviors overshadowing the sport. The incidents surrounding Stewart and Xargay signify systemic issues within sports culture but also point to the necessity for community support as players rise above, aiming to break the silence surrounding hate and harassment.
Stewart and Xargay's determination to combat these threats reflects their commitment to each other, their family, and their community. They serve as reminders of resilience and the need for vigilance as sports evolve to be arenas not just for competition, but platforms for advocacy against hate.
Rocking the basketball courts and advocating for safety and equality, Stewart and Xargay’s story continues to inspire as they navigate the intersection of sport and social justice.
