People love to talk. Especially when it involves a 6'3" basketball star who refuses to play by the "quiet athlete" rulebook. Angel Reese is used to the noise by now, but lately, the internet has been spiraling over her fashion choices—specifically those "ass out" moments that seem to break the sports world every other week. Honestly, it’s a lot.
Whether she's walking the Victoria’s Secret runway or just trying to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the "Chi Barbie" can’t seem to step out of her house without someone on X (formerly Twitter) having a meltdown.
The Victoria’s Secret Debut and the "Cheeks Out" Viral Moment
Let's get into the big one. October 15, 2025. New York City. Angel Reese made history as the first active professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She didn't just walk; she strutted.
She had two main looks that night. The first was a floral pink lingerie set with a massive, fluffy boa. The second? A bedazzled pink crop top and matching lace panties with silver wings. This is where the angel reese ass out searches started peaking. Because, well, it’s a lingerie show. Her "cheeks" were quite literally the centerpiece of the event.
The reaction was a total mess of polarized opinions. On one side, you had fans screaming "SLAY" and praising her for breaking barriers. On the other, the "shut up and dribble" crowd was out in full force. Critics called her a "hypocrite" because she previously asked fans not to sexualize her.
Here is the thing: Angel’s argument has always been about consent and agency. There is a massive difference between choosing to walk a high-fashion runway in lingerie and having creeps zoom in on your shorts during a free throw. But the internet doesn't really do nuance, does it?
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Why the New Year’s Eve Dress Caused a Social Media Blackout
If you think the runway was controversial, remember the New Year’s Eve drama from a few months prior. Angel wore this brown, animal-print dress with cut-outs so daring they basically defied the laws of physics.
It was a "see-through" aesthetic that left very little to the imagination. The backlash was so intense—with people calling it "classless" or "too much for an athlete"—that she actually deactivated her Instagram for a bit. Imagine being a double-double machine on the court and having to hide from the internet because you wore a dress to a party.
She eventually came back with a vengeance, basically telling everyone that she "covered up" for her Vogue cover just to satisfy them, then immediately went back to being herself. You've gotta respect the pettiness. It’s authentic.
The Struggle of Being 6'3" in a "Sample Size" World
One thing people forget when they’re busy judging her outfits is that Angel is literally a giant compared to the average person. She has talked openly on her podcast about how hard it is to find clothes that actually fit.
- Custom or Bust: If it isn't custom-made, it’s probably going to fit "weird."
- The "Curve" Problem: She’s got long legs and a athletic build that most designer "sample sizes" aren't built for.
- Stretch is Queen: She mentioned that if a dress isn't stretchy, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Basically, when you see a "wardrobe malfunction" or a look that seems "too tight," it’s often just the reality of being a tall, curvy athlete trying to wear clothes designed for 5'9" runway models.
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The Business of Being the "Bayou Barbie"
Critics love to say she's "distracted" by fashion. But look at the numbers. While her WNBA salary is public knowledge—around $73,000 for her rookie year—her off-court earnings are in the millions.
She’s got deals with:
- Reebok (Signature shoe, the AR1, which sold out instantly)
- Beats by Dre
- Topicals (She just helped boost their valuation to over $22 million)
- Good American
- Airbnb
She isn't just "showing off" for the sake of it. She is building a brand. In 2026, the idea that an athlete has to be just an athlete is dead. Angel is a model, an owner (shoutout to her stake in DC Power Football Club), and a cultural icon.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Sexualization" Debate
There is a loud group of people who think that if you show skin, you lose the right to demand respect. That’s a tired take. Angel has been vocal about the "misinformation campaign" against her.
Last year, a major sports publication even ran a fake story about her "taking shots" at a baseball legend based on a tweet that had nothing to do with him. The scrutiny she faces is 10x what her peers deal with. When she says "don't sexualize me," she’s talking about the creepy, non-consensual side of fame. When she walks for Victoria's Secret, she's in control of the image.
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It’s about power.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Critics Alike
If you’re following the Angel Reese saga, here is how to actually keep up without getting lost in the "outrage" cycle:
- Check the Source: Most of those "viral" clips of her are edited by "rage-bait" accounts. Look at her actual social media or her podcast (Unapologetically Angel) to hear what she actually said.
- Understand the Market: Fashion and sports are merging. Look at the tunnel walks in the NBA and WNBA. It's a business strategy, not just a hobby.
- Acknowledge the Double Standard: Compare how people talk about Angel’s outfits versus how they talk about male athletes who pose shirtless for magazines. The difference is usually pretty telling.
Angel isn't going to stop wearing "revealing" clothes just because someone’s uncle on Facebook thinks she should be in a gym 24/7. She’s proving you can lead the league in rebounds and still be the face of a luxury fashion campaign. That’s the new blueprint.
Next time you see a headline about her "cheeks out" or a "controversial" dress, just remember: she’s probably making a six-figure check off that exact moment while everyone else is just typing for free.