As the WNBA Finals rage on, the New York Liberty’sBreanna Stewartfinds herself confronting not only the intense competition on the court but also disturbing threats off of it. Stewart, known for her leadership and dominance in the game, is now speaking out about the homophobic threats she and her wife Marta Xargay have received during the Finals. As the Liberty look to capture their first-ever championship, these unwelcome distractions have added a dark element to what should be a celebratory time for the team.
The threats surfaced following Game 1 of the Finals on October 10, when Stewart and Xargay were targeted with homophobic emails. The messages, anonymous and menacing, struck a personal chord, especially for Xargay, whose inbox became a direct channel for harassment. For Stewart, this situation goes beyond just the game-it’s a reflection of a larger problem that the WNBA and its players have been facing for too long.
During a press meeting, Stewart addressed the situation and called on the league to take meaningful action. “Myself and my family, we’re definitely doing okay. We’re taking the proper precautions,”Stewart said. “I think that threats continued to build after Game 1, which we love that people are engaged in our sport, but not to the point where threats and harassment, or homophobic comments are being made. So we’ve just continued to let the league know. They’re handling it, but also, to me, it’s just continuous to say that it’s unacceptable to bring to our sport and into this entire world.”
Stewart’s comments highlight the disturbing trend of online threats turning into more personal and direct attacks. When asked if she had experienced something like this in her career before, Stewart revealed that it’s not uncommon for athletes to face such harassment, but the proximity of these threats felt different. “Honestly, I don’t look at all my messages if I was to look in my social media, but the fact that it came directly to Marta’s email, as to be something that she couldn’t not see, the level of closeness was a little bit different,” she explained. “And I think that we just want to make sure that Marta and myself are okay, but also that our kids are the safest.”
Stewart’s family seeks police protection as homophobic threats escalate
As the threats escalated, Stewart’s wife, Marta Xargay, sought help from the New York Police Department. The homophobic emails, which included death threats, left the couple with no choice but to inform law enforcement, further intensifying the off-court concerns as the Finals progressed. Stewart, while focused on leading her team to victory, is now also juggling the safety and well-being of her family.
The WNBA has responded to the situation, offering support to both Stewart and Xargay. This comes after a season in which the league has been increasingly vocal about social issues, releasing statements condemning racism and homophobia directed at players. However, Stewart’s hope is that these statements lead to stronger action. “We appreciate that the league is involved, but there needs to be more done to make sure players and their families feel safe,” she said.
Despite the ongoing Finals and the push to secure her third championship, Stewart remains committed to shedding light on the issues affecting her and her fellow athletes. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and teammates but emphasized that the focus must remain on eradicating such behavior. “We’re strong, and we’ll keep pushing forward, but this is not something that should be happening in sports or anywhere.”
As the Liberty continue their quest for the title, Stewart’s resolve is unwavering. She has shown time and time again that her strength on the court is mirrored by her resilience off it. While the championship remains up for grabs, one thing is clear: Stewart and her teammates are standing firm against hate, ensuring that their legacy is defined not only by their success on the hardwood but by their courage to speak out against injustice.
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