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‘This Is Why They Mad’: Angel Reese’s Runway Debut Triggers Supporters to Clap Back After Trolls Claim Victoria’s Secret Has ‘Lowered Its Standards’

Posted byBy Nicole Duncan-Smith | Published on: | Updated on October 17, 2025 CommentsComments (0)

Angel Reese sure knows how to get the people going. Her Victoria’s Secret runway debut has the internet in a full-blown meltdown after she made history as the first professional athlete to grace the iconic fashion show’s catwalk.

The 6-foot-3 WNBA star took the stage Wednesday during the 2025 Victoria’s Secret fashion show, wearing pink undergarments and giant angel wings for her historic walk that has sparked challenging conversations about beauty.

Angel Reese’s historic Victoria’s Secret runway debut sparked backlash and passionate defenses about beauty standards. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

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The Chicago Sky player’s Oct. 15th appearance was met with criticism centered around critics comparing Reese’s previous statements about not wanting to be objectified and her decision to participate in the lingerie showcase.

Others complained about her walk, calling it amateur and wobbly in a weird way, as one critic said, “She can’t walk in heels.”

More went further, suggesting the 23-year-old didn’t fit traditional modeling aesthetics — comments that quickly revealed deeper biases about beauty standards and who gets to claim space in fashion. Some felt she was “not worthy” to share the stage with trained models

The brand even took some hits on Facebook as one person said, “VS has lowered their standards if that’s what you like. It’s a matter of opinion. In my days it was different times have changed, oh well.”

One individual hit back, writing, “I wonder where those standards came from? EXCUSE ME!! The hell she don’t meet Model standards, she surpassed the standards. Dame She Fine!!”

One supporter simply stated, “I thought she was absolutely beautiful and made a great VS Angel. People just want to talk about someone.”

Reese returned to social media on Oct. 16 to speak up for herself, while acknowledging the disapproval of people online who say, “Her body is too attainable.”

“Angel Reese [is] trying too hard to get the attention off the court” and “Why is Angel Reese always doing the most with her outfits. Just hoop” were two of the many comments Reese shared over a video of her practicing her runway walk with a coach on Oct. 16.

She chose the perfectly fitting Cardi B “Am I the Drama?” track: “Magent,” as the background music for the video. On the song, she raps, “Face pretty, I know I could probably win a pageant, baby. They say I’m attractive, I be feelin’ like a magnet, baby.”

“This is why they made,” wrote one person in her comments.

Social media influencer Tanya Ray Fox unleashed a passionate defense of Reese, calling out critics in a viral video posted to her Threads.

“Oh my God. I’ve now seen three of the most forgettable-looking white women in my life get on this app and talk about how, you know, Angel Reese is — of course — like, beautiful, whatever,” she opened up the video saying.

“You thought this whole time that we thought you were as attractive as Angel Reese? You actually thought Kate Moss was the pinnacle of beauty?” Fox questioned, dismantling the idea that conventional European beauty standards should remain the industry benchmark.

View on Threads

The controversy surrounding her runway appearance echoes previous debates about how Reese presents herself. The basketball star has never shied away from showcasing her style and confidence, whether on the court or off.

In October, she shared swimsuit photos from a yacht that garnered over a million views on X within 14 hours, adding the caption, “Minding my own business. Don’t check for me.”

Reese’s 2023 appearance in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition further demonstrated her comfort in her own skin. “The biggest takeaway I want people to know is you can be girly off the court and still have swag and just be who you are,” she explained at the time.

Adding another layer to the conversation about how Reese navigates public perception are previous comments from her boss and mentor, Shaquille O’Neal that many found inappropriate.

During an appearance on her podcast “Unapologetically Angel,” which airs on his Big Podcast Network, the Hall of Famer suggested she should consider wearing revealing attire while dunking to boost merchandise sales.

“Imagine you on the same little shorts you had on at ‘Wild ‘N Out’ dunking. You know how many T-shirts you going to sell?” he asked as she visibly squirmed. When she pushed back, saying women in the league don’t care about male approval, he responded bluntly, “That’s the problem.”

The exchange drew criticism from fans who felt the 53-year-old crossed boundaries, particularly given their significant age difference.

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