Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams just made headlines for dealing with an abusive fan. The Lynx are currently at the top of the league, with a 17-6 record. While Williams is a primary reason for this record, with her career-high performances, some fans seem unimpressed. One such fan reached out to a three-time All-Star and blamed her for losing him money on bets. And Williams wasted no time in mirroring her fierce on-court personality in her reply.

The fan left a rather vulgar and provocative voice note on Williams’ Instagram. Williams wasted no time and responded to the DM with a voice note of her own. Williams ripped into the fan, calling him “broke”, “ugly” and “dirty”, ending her note by referencing the fan’s initial message.

“I hope I lose you some more money.”

While fans rose in support of her reaction per a recording posted to X by user @paigelology, online harassment of WNBA players is common—and Williams’ response is the latest pushback. A clap-back from a veteran player and 2024 WNBA Commissioner Cup champion sends the message that players will not stand for such hateful comments. Time and again, players have voiced their concerns against this critical problem.

The hate being directed against Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas is still fresh in memory. This was following Thomas’ flagrant foul against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during the Mercury’s 111-109 win against the Fever. Clark, on her part, has voiced her opposition to this online hate against Thomas.

DeWanna Bonner, after her short stint with the Fever, was also subject to personal attacks and online harassment from online groups. Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese has also been a constant target of severe racist and highly sexualized cyberbullying.

To counteract targeted harassment, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert established a dedicated Player Safety Task Force. The league partners with specialized technology firms to track digital footprints, monitor cyber safety, and flag malicious entities threatening players online. Despite league efforts like the Player Safety Task Force, players like Courtney Williams still face daily abuse.

The interaction between Williams and the heckler has since been praised by the fans as a fitting reply to a person spreading hate and abuse against not just WNBA players, but women in general.

The Fans Love Courtney Williams’ Response

The former South Florida Bulls player’s response has drawn a wave of positive reactions from fans supporting her comeback to the hateful message.

“I hope I lose you some more money” 😂😂😂, Love Courtney,” one fan said.

“Courtney is class, funny, and unbothered. You can never mess with her positive energy; she won’t let you,” said another fan.

“🤣😂 My deepest respect to Courtney ✊👏😅🤭👍,” one fan expressed.

““I hope I lose you some more money” is killing me 😭,” another fan said.

“Just press the block button,” one fan said.

“We finally got a KD in the WNBA 😭,” another fan said, referencing Houston Rockets’ forward, Kevin Durant, who is also known for engaging with fans disrespectful fans.

“LOL. She is brutal, and I love it. Can you imagine some of the DMs these players get, though,” one fan said.

Online hateful and abusive messages are not likely to stop Williams and Co. this season. Williams is averaging 15.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, and has earned the selection as a WNBA All-Star reserve.

The Lynx team, including Courtney Williams, will be focusing on their next stretch of games. Their next set of matches will be critical for securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, something that they have worked hard to secure till now.

Williams’ response shows players won’t be silenced—and fans are here for it