Comedian Katt Williams, never one to shy away from controversy or a well-placed jab, has once again found himself at the center of internet buzz—this time for taking a swing at Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. Known for his fiery and unfiltered appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast earlier this year, where he launched blistering critiques at numerous figures in the comedy industry, Williams opted for a less chaotic but still headline-grabbing moment during his recent appearance on Carmelo Anthony’s ‘7PM in Brooklyn’ podcast.

While reflecting on his own perceived limitations on the basketball court, Williams couldn’t resist lacing in a joke at Reese’s expense, touching upon a persistent critique of her offensive game. “I’m 5’5,” he began, poking fun at his own stature. “So I don’t have any above-the-rim experience. But I’m not Angel Reese—I’m 99% on my layups because I can’t afford to miss them. My layup is my dunk.”

It was a classic Katt Williams moment: self-deprecating yet sharp, wrapped in humor but carrying an undeniable edge that clearly drew an immediate and significant reaction online. Within hours of the clip circulating widely, social media platforms lit up with commentary, sparking yet another heated debate around Angel Reese, her distinctive style of play, and whether or not Williams’ cutting jab was fair play or a cheap shot. The incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny and public discussion surrounding Angel Reese WNBA performance and her growing personal brand.

Angel Reese: From Rebound Queen to Media Lightning Rod

Angel Reese, who currently plays for the Chicago Sky in her sophomore WNBA season, has been both widely celebrated and intensely criticized for her distinctive and tenacious style of play. A dominant rebounder with an insatiable motor, Reese meticulously built a formidable reputation—especially during her highly successful collegiate years at LSU, where she led her team to a national championship—for crashing the boards hard, often following up her own missed layups with relentless second and third chances. Critics have been quick to point out what they perceive as inconsistency around the rim and a low field goal percentage (she shot 39.1% from the field in her rookie WNBA season and is currently at 44.6% in 2025), while supporters vehemently applaud her tireless hustle, undeniable grit, and unmatched rebounding prowess (she led the WNBA in rebounds per game in her rookie season with 13.1 and is averaging 12.6 RPG in 2025, leading the league).

In fact, Reese has famously leaned into that specific criticism regarding her missed layups and subsequent offensive rebounds in the most entrepreneurial way possible. Rather than shying away from the jokes or letting them undermine her, she brilliantly trademarked the playful nickname “Bayou Barbie” and later ingeniously turned the term “MEBounds”—a tongue-in-cheek nod to her uncanny habit of rebounding her own misses—into a lucrative brand. From merchandise like hoodies and T-shirts to popular social media slogans, she has strategically embraced the narrative and flipped it decisively in her favor, demonstrating a keen understanding of athlete branding and intellectual property.

Now, in a massive milestone not only for her burgeoning career but also for the league’s broader visibility, Angel Reese is prominently featured on the cover of the WNBA edition of NBA 2K26. She shares this honor with Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and former NBA great Carmelo Anthony, becoming one of only a handful of WNBA stars to grace the prestigious 2K cover. Love her or hate her, one thing is undeniably clear: Angel Reese possesses an inherent knack for staying relevant and generating significant buzz in the competitive world of professional sports.

Katt’s Punchline and the Perception Problem

Williams’ joke lands at a time when Angel Reese is already operating under an intense and unforgiving microscope. Her every move—both on and off the court—is analyzed with a level of scrutiny typically reserved for long-tenured superstars, not second-year players. Some commentators suggest this heightened attention is a direct result of her aggressive and often provocative presence on social media, where she never backs down from a challenge or shies away from engaging with critics. Others argue more critically that factors such as her race, gender, and her unapologetically confident personality all play a significant role in why she has become such a polarizing figure in the public eye.

Katt Williams, as a seasoned provocateur and master of controversial comedy, undoubtedly knew his comment would spark widespread conversation and stir the pot. But while it might seem like harmless comedic banter to some, to others, particularly Reese’s passionate fanbase, it felt like an unnecessary “piling on” of criticism. Reese has, indeed, faced an unrelenting barrage of scrutiny and negativity since entering the WNBA, with almost every missed shot being instantly turned into a viral meme and every passionate outburst on the court being meticulously spun into a sensational headline. This persistent negative framing contributes to an ongoing public debate about media bias in sports.

Still, if there’s one consistent characteristic Reese has shown time and again since her rise to prominence, it’s an undeniable resilience. She doesn’t just absorb criticism; she appears to actively redefine its impact, often turning it into fuel for her own drive and, as seen with “MEBounds,” a source of entrepreneurial opportunity.

Turning a Joke Into a Check?

While Katt Williams may have intended his comment as a simple comedic dig, the ultimate last laugh might still belong to Angel Reese. After all, this isn’t the first instance where a public figure has managed to turn a punchline or criticism into a profitable venture. In fact, given her established track record, Reese might be uniquely qualified to do exactly that.

She has already demonstrated a keen business acumen in transforming criticism into successful branding gold. The “MEBounds” joke, originally coined by critics, is now prominently featured on official merchandise, including hoodies and T-shirts, worn proudly by fans who genuinely appreciate her relentless hustle and unwavering drive. If she so desired, Reese could easily spin Williams’ “Above-the-Rim Experience” comment into her next lucrative merch drop—perhaps featuring a stylized cartoon version of herself triumphantly dunking on the metaphorical “haters” who question her aerial game.

This wouldn’t even be the first time a WNBA star has skillfully transformed social media chatter into a successful business venture. From A’ja Wilson’s burgeoning wine collection to Breanna Stewart’s strategic advocacy-based endorsements, modern WNBA players are becoming increasingly savvy and entrepreneurial about leveraging the immense power of their personal brands and public platforms. Reese has already definitively proven she knows how to monetize her unique identity and influence—and she clearly doesn’t need permission or external validation from anyone, least of all a comedian taking potshots from the sidelines.

Fans React: Is It Fair Game or Foul Play?

The internet, as always, had plenty to say about Katt Williams’ specific dig at Angel Reese. Some users interpreted it as nothing more than a classic “roast” from a comedian well-known for pushing boundaries and buttons. “She should take it as a compliment,” one user posted. “If you’re getting roasted by Katt Williams, you’ve officially made it.” This perspective underscores the idea that public attention, even negative, signifies relevance.

Others, however, were far less forgiving, viewing the comment as an unfair and unnecessary attack. “Why is everyone so comfortable making Angel Reese the punchline?” another user passionately asked. “She’s 22 years old, in her second year, and already on a 2K cover. Show me another rookie getting treated like this.” This highlights concerns about gender equity in sports media and the differing levels of scrutiny faced by female athletes.

Even among dedicated WNBA fans, the debate was heated. Some appreciated Reese’s raw, unapologetic game and saw her remarkable rebounding statistics as irrefutable proof of her tireless work ethic and strategic positioning, not a liability concerning her finishing. Others, conversely, argued that she does indeed need to significantly improve her consistency around the rim if she genuinely wants to achieve undisputed superstar status. Both sides, however, seemed to largely agree on one fundamental point: no one can deny Angel Reese’s profound and undeniable impact on the league’s burgeoning popularity and visibility. Whether it’s measurable increases in ticket sales, soaring viewership numbers, or record-breaking jersey purchases, Reese has consistently proven she moves the needle.

The Bigger Picture: Comedy, Criticism, and Context

Katt Williams’ joke about Angel Reese exists in that often contentious gray space where comedy and controversy inevitably collide. On the one hand, he is unequivocally a comedian—it is, by definition, his job to poke fun, exaggerate for comedic effect, and stir the pot. On the other hand, jokes do not, and cannot, exist in a vacuum, especially when they touch on real, sensitive public discourse and involve high-profile individuals.

This incident prompts important questions about double standards in sports commentary: Would the exact same joke be made about a male rookie with similar statistical numbers or perceived weaknesses? Would people laugh with the same ease if such a comment were directed at a male player still learning the ropes in his second year of an NBA career? These are the kinds of complex questions that continue to bubble to the surface in ongoing conversations about fairness, equity, and the prevalence of double standards in professional sports, particularly concerning female athletes’ public image.

That said, Angel Reese is not the type of athlete to be easily deterred or “dragged down” by a single joke, no matter how sharp or widely circulated. If anything, such public critiques often appear to serve as additional fuel for her already intense competitive fire.

What Comes Next?

As the WNBA season marches on, all eyes will undoubtedly continue to follow Angel Reese—not primarily because of what comedians say about her, but because of what she consistently does on the basketball court. Her rebounding numbers remain elite, cementing her status as a premier board-crasher. Her defensive tenacity and evolving offensive game are steadily growing. And her overall influence on the league’s trajectory? It appears only to be getting stronger with each passing game and each new headline.

Whether she strategically takes Katt Williams’ joke and ingeniously transforms it into another successful business venture, or simply allows it to fade into the background noise of social media, is anyone’s guess. But one thing is certain: Reese’s compelling and evolving story is far from over, and the league is undoubtedly better—and a lot more entertaining—for having her fiery presence in it.

In a world that frequently attempts to define athletes by their perceived flaws or moments of struggle, Angel Reese consistently keeps rewriting the script on her own terms. And sometimes, the most effective and powerful “clapback” isn’t a fiery tweet, a carefully worded press conference statement, or a retaliatory podcast appearance. It’s a perfectly executed layup. It’s a crucial rebound snatched from traffic. It’s a championship ring earned through relentless effort. And perhaps someday soon… it’ll be that elusive first in-game dunk.

Until then, she’s just going to keep showing up, putting in the tireless work, and letting the world talk. After all, the more they talk, the bigger her brand—and her impact—becomes. And if Katt Williams ever ends up courtside at a Chicago Sky game? Well—he might want to duck.