Fan uproar forces Chiney Ogwumike to release apologetic statement following WNBA's investigation: "I can do better"

After the WNBA concluded its investigation into allegations of racism against Angel Reese on Wednesday, fans on social media expressed their outrage over comments made by Chiney Ogwumike. Ogwumike has since issued an apology, promising to do better henceforth.

During an episode of Ogwumike’s YouTube talk show, the former WNBA player said that fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse had racially taunted Chicago Sky players, particularly Angel Reese. Her comments, among others, had prompted the league to launch a formal investigation.

However, after reviewing audio and video footage and conducting interviews with those in attendance, the WNBA stated there was no evidence to support these accusations.

Ogwumike has since apologized in a video on X.

“I’m not afraid to say I can do better,” Ogwumike began her video. "I am sorry that my message was in the heat of the moment, because when I initially spoke on the topic, it really came from a place of care. It was based on firsthand conversations with people very close to the situation who raised real concerns. And they told me what they had experienced. And I felt like it was important and it was necessary to acknowledge those allegations and also voice those experiences.

“Now in the process, however, I totally recognize that it may have impacted fans in a way that I did not intend. I am sorry.”

The incident occurred during the Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever game on May 17. Caitlin Clark had delivered a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, helping her side clinch a dominant 93-58 victory. Angel Reese finished with 12 points and 17 rebounds.

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Caitlin Clark supported the WNBA investigation

Caitlin Clark said she was unaware of any racial slurs being directed at players during the May 17 game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

On May 19, Clark stated that the crowd’s roars made it difficult to hear anything specific during the game. Yet, she backed the WNBA’s decision to launch an investigation.

“It’s super loud in here, and though I didn’t hear anything, I think that’s why they’re doing the investigation,” Clark said. “That’s why they’re looking into it. That doesn’t mean nothing happened, so I’ll just trust the league’s investigation, and I’m sure they’ll do the right thing.”

Days later, Clark found herself at the center of another controversy. During a fiery May 22 matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream, tensions escalated between Clark and Brittney Griner.

After being fouled out, Griner was caught on camera allegedly directing racial insults at Clark.

The league has not commented on the matter.