Breanna Stewart Addresses Disturbing Homophobic Threats During WNBA Finals

Threatening Email Investigated by Police

Police are investigating a threatening, homophobic email sent to WNBA power forward Breanna Stewart's wife while the New York Liberty compete in the finals. A 33-year-old woman reported receiving “a threatening email,” prompting an aggravated harassment investigation on Oct. 10.

Details of the Threat

Stewart confirmed that the couple received a chilling message stating they “don’t deserve to live” and wishing death upon them. This email highlights the dangers they face publicly, especially with Stewart’s prominence in the sport.

Community Response

• Stewart emphasized the safety of her family, remarking how serious the matter is.
• They are both committed to ensuring security measures are heightened in response to this incident.
• The Hate Crimes Task Force is actively looking into this as a potential bias incident.

Prioritizing Safety and Support

As the Liberty continue their journey in the WNBA Finals, the couple is determined to address these threats formally. After their Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, Stewart expressed that it’s crucial for the league and teams to remain aware of the situation affecting players, emphasizing the need to safeguard athletes against such hateful actions.

WNBA's Stance Against Hate Speech

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert condemned the rising tide of hateful speech and reiterated the league's commitment to supporting players and addressing these grave concerns. She advocates for unity and a firm stand against discrimination, ensuring a secure environment for everyone involved.

The Liberty will face the Lynx again for Game 3 on Wednesday night as they continue to battle both on and off the court.