Caitlin Clark Speaks Out on Online Threats, and an Everyday Errand Sparks a Firestorm on Get Up

By [Your Name], July 2025

Caitlin Clark, the electrifying guard for the Indiana Fever and the WNBA’s breakout sensation, has once again found herself under the spotlight—for reasons both troubling and unexpectedly light-hearted. In recent weeks, Clark has bravely addressed a disturbing surge in online threats, and even an unremarkable supermarket trip became a talking point, after a lighthearted on-air moment during ESPN’s Get Up.

Addressing Harassment: Threats, Stalkers, and the Toll of Online Hate

The rise of Caitlin Clark has ignited rapid growth in WNBA viewership and fan engagement. But with that visibility has come an alarming rise in harassment—much of it rooted in racism, sexism, and homophobia. According to a Washington Post analysis, the league has seen a troubling shift in fan behavior, with nine of the ten most-targeted female athletes in 2024 receiving serious threats 

Perhaps most alarming is the case of Michael Thomas Lewis, a 55‑year‑old Texas resident who allegedly stalked Clark. He reportedly sent violent and sexually explicit messages indicating he had driven past her residence multiple times a day. Lewis was arrested in Indianapolis, barred from local arenas, and charged with felony . Clark confirmed she was forced to change her public outings and routines due to safety concerns, underscoring the very real consequences of online hate.

In addition, Angel Reese, a key rival in the on-court rivalry, has herself spoken publicly about receiving death threats and “inappropriate images” from overzealous Caitlin Clark . Clark has consistently condemned such behavior, emphasizing in court filings and media interviews: “People should not be using my name to push those agendas… it’s disappointing and not acceptable”. She has urged fans to embrace supportive, respectful cheering and warned against abusive conduct.

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A Supermarket Run That Rocked Get Up

In an unexpected twist, Clark’s recent trip to a local grocery store last week went viral—not because of a scandal, but due to a delightfully candid moment. During a segment on Tuesday’s Get Up, hosts replayed footage of the NBA draft lottery and pivoted mid-show to a clip from Clark’s supermarket outing. Anchors marveled at her casual demeanour—cart in tow, seemingly at ease in a normal setting.

“It’s refreshing to see her doing something so ordinary,” one commentator quipped. Suddenly, the studio roared with laughter and surprise, as if the very notion of Clark grabbing groceries hit a sweet spot of endearment and astonishment. The segment struck a chord, generating online comments like: “Caitlin Clark shopping like the rest of us? I can’t even buy milk without a camera crew” and “Her grocery list has me shook.” The moment underscored her ethereal rise—how absolutely everyday moments from her life now go viral.

ESPN’s Get Up highlighted how this everyday act amplified the public’s fascination with Clark—an athlete so famous that even her supermarket run becomes must-see TV.

Striking a Balance: Stardom and Safety

Clark’s journey exemplifies the tightrope walk of modern celebrity. On one side, her stardom continues to shatter attendance and ratings records for the WNBA—driving unprecedented growthnypost.com. On the other, it exposes her to invasive and sometimes dangerous scrutiny. Her willingness to address the threats candidly, while acknowledging her vulnerabilities, has garnered both sympathy and respect.

Her supermarket moment, in sharp contrast, reveals a charm and relatability that many fans have rallied around. Even as stadium seats march full and media cameras flash, Clark remains tethered to everyday life—and fans appreciate that reminder of her humanity.

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Looking Ahead

As Caitlin Clark continues to propel the WNBA into a new era of popularity, she also serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility owed to public figures. Her recent experiences—from having to alter daily routines for safety, to inadvertently becoming the subject of a viral shopping clip—illustrate the highs and lows of life in the spotlight.

Her plea is twofold: for fans, to celebrate passionately but responsibly, and for the media, to embrace both her achievements and her humanity. Whether standing atop the scoreboard or browsing the produce aisle, Clark is more than a highlight reel—she’s a nuanced symbol of progress in women’s sports, and of how we treat those who inspire us.