Angel Reese Shocks: “Be Kind, Now More Than Ever” – But Did His Words About Charlie Kirk Go Too Far?
On September 10, 2025, the United States was shocked by the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. The death of Kirk, a prominent figure in the conservative movement and a close ally of President Donald Trump, sparked a wave of controversy over political violence and his legacy. In that context, WNBA basketball star Angel Reese, a player for the Chicago Sky, shocked everyone when he publicly expressed his views on Kirk, emphasizing the message of “be kind” – a statement that made both fans and critics seethe. Was this a necessary frankness or a lack of tact at a sensitive time? Let’s find out the story behind it.
Context: A Statement That Goes Viral
Angel Reese, 23, is not only one of the brightest young faces in the WNBA, but also a figure who is not afraid to speak out on social issues. From controversies over her behavior on the court to dealing with racism and sexism, Reese has always maintained a straightforward, uncompromising style. However, this time, her statement about Charlie Kirk – who was recently murdered in what is being called a “political assassination” – has put her in the center of a public storm.
In a post on social media X after Kirk’s death, Reese wrote: “If you want people to say kind things when you are gone, you should say kind things when you are alive.” She continued: “And I stand by that. Be kind, more than ever.” The comments were quickly criticized by some as insensitive, especially as Kirk’s family, including his doctoral student wife Erika Kirk and their two young children, continues to grieve. But Reese did not back down. She said her message was a heartfelt call to action, reflecting the values she believes in.
Charlie Kirk: A Polarizing Legacy
Charlie Kirk, 31, is a powerful figure among conservative young Americans. As the founder of Turning Point USA, he is known for his debates on college campuses, where he has not shied away from taking controversial positions on gun rights, anti-abortion, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Kirk has called the Civil Rights Act of 1964 “wrong” and has been criticized for statements that have been deemed racist, such as his comments about black pilots and his criticism of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. These views made Kirk a figure both beloved by those who supported him and fiercely opposed by those who disagreed.
Kirk’s death has deepened the divide in American society. While President Trump has hailed him as a “legend” and called for flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide, many, including Reese, have argued that Kirk’s legacy needs to be viewed holistically, not just through the lens of loss.
Reaction: Chaos and Controversy
Reese’s comments immediately sparked a social media firestorm. Her supporters, especially young people and marginalized communities, said Reese spoke a hard truth: words and actions in life shape how a person is remembered. One fan wrote on X: “Angel Reese is right. You can’t spread hate all your life and expect people to mourn you when you’re gone.” Others stressed that Reese’s message was not a personal attack on Kirk, but a call for kindness in a divided society.
However, Reese’s critics, including many of Kirk’s supporters, said she lacked empathy for making comments so soon after his death. “Angel Reese should shut up,” read one post on X. “This is not the time to score personal points.” Some even accused her of “capitalizing” on the tragedy to gain attention, especially when she was facing her own career controversies, such as being suspended by the Chicago Sky for criticizing the team.
Reese: No Apologies, Just Explanations
In response to the backlash, Reese did not back down from her comments, instead clarifying them on a livestream: “I wasn’t talking about anyone in particular. I just wanted to remind people that words have power, and how we treat each other while we’re alive leaves a mark. I believe in being kind, and I’m not going to apologize for that.” She also stressed that she does not support political violence and offered condolences to Kirk’s family, but she also stood by the importance of kindness.
The Bigger Takeaway
Reese’s comments raise an important question: How can society balance honoring the dead while acknowledging their complicated legacies? In a time of rising political violence in the US – with more than 150 politically motivated attacks in the first six months of 2025, according to Reuters – Reese’s message of kindness seems more urgent than ever. However, the way she presented it did
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