Breanna Stewart’s Family Threatened After WNBA Finals Loss: Anti-Gay Email Sparks Outrage

Breanna Stewart, the two-time WNBA MVP, revealed a shocking and disturbing incident following the New York Liberty’s loss to the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Stewart’s wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, received a threatening anti-gay email, prompting immediate concern and action from the Liberty, the league, and law enforcement.

The email, which contained both threats and homophobic language, came after a tense game where Stewart missed a free throw that could have given the Liberty the lead in the final seconds of regulation and later missed a layup in overtime that would have tied the game. The defeat left New York trailing in the series and added to the emotional toll the Stewart family was already facing.

Speaking to reporters, Stewart expressed her concern for her wife and their children, Ruby and Theo. “For Marta, especially, it was terrifying,” Stewart said. “There’s another level of invasion happening there.” The email served as a stark reminder of the challenges Stewart and other LGBTQ+ athletes face, both on and off the court.

Stewart and Xargay Casademont have been taking precautions since the incident, with Stewart confirming that the situation has been reported to the Liberty, the league, and law enforcement. While Stewart assured the public that her family is “doing OK,” the emotional and psychological impact of the threats cannot be understated. “We just want to make sure, obviously, myself and Marta are OK, but our kids are the ones that are the safest,” Stewart added.

The incident has raised broader questions about the treatment of athletes, particularly women and LGBTQ+ players, who have been facing increasing harassment this season. In addition to Stewart, players like DiJonai Carrington and Angel Reese have also shared their experiences with hateful, racist, and homophobic messages, underlining a growing problem within sports, especially with the WNBA’s increasing popularity.

The WNBA and the New York Liberty quickly responded to the situation. A spokesperson for the league condemned the threats and affirmed that steps are being taken to protect the players. “There is absolutely no room for hateful or threatening comments directed at our players or anyone affiliated with the league,” the spokesperson said. The league is working closely with law enforcement and security teams to ensure the safety of Stewart and other players, and is also reviewing protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert also addressed the matter, calling the threats troubling and highlighting the need for the league to enhance security measures. She assured that the league would continue to work on improving player safety through technology, mental health support, and increased monitoring.

Despite the heightened attention to harassment and threats, Stewart remains hopeful that change is possible. “We love that people are engaged in our sport, but not to the point where there’s threats or harassment,” Stewart said, calling on the public to take a stand against hate and discrimination.

As the Liberty prepare for the next game in the Finals, Stewart and her family continue to navigate the emotional fallout from the incident. But the focus is also on broader issues within the sport and society, as the rise in harassment highlights the urgent need for greater accountability and better protective measures for athletes, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.

The disturbing email not only sheds light on the challenges Stewart faces but also serves as a call for action across all sports. It’s a reminder that while athletes should be celebrated for their talent and achievements, they must also be safeguarded from the hateful rhetoric that too often infiltrates the world of professional sports.

As the series progresses, the Liberty and the WNBA have promised to take stronger steps to protect their players and ensure that no athlete has to face such threats in the future. For Stewart and her family, the priority remains the safety and well-being of their children and loved ones. However, the incident also serves as a reminder that more must be done to combat hate and discrimination in sports.