The city of Los Angeles played host to this year’s NBA All-Star festivities, with the game taking place at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers. The weekend brought together the league’s biggest stars and celebrities, culminating in Anthony Edwards earning MVP honors while leading his U.S. squad to victory.
As usual, the event showcased the glamour, sunshine and entertainment appeal that define Southern California. However, not everyone left the West Coast impressed.
Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever, made headlines of her own during All-Star weekend after posting a viral TikTok video in which she openly criticized the culture she experienced in Los Angeles.
While many athletes and influencers embrace the city’s lifestyle, Cunningham made it clear that it is not for her.
Fever star rants about influencer culture
Cunningham sounded off on Los Angeles during a February 14 TikTok post that quickly circulated across social media platforms.
In the video, she attempted to frame her comments as personal preference rather than blanket condemnation, but her frustrations were unmistakable.
“So I promise you, I’m not being judgmental, because I think there’s a place for legit everyone. And one people thrive in different areas. I don’t think I’m an LA girl. Like, at all,” Cunningham began.
She then elaborated on what she described as a lack of authenticity in face-to-face interactions: “It’s just weird. Like, people don’t dance, people are like, don’t even say hi, they have no personalities. They have no personalities and they all look the same!
“It’s weird. Please tell me it’s not weird! And like, all these personalities you see on Instagram and TikTok, all these famous influencers. I like how they have found a space where they can feel like themselves and gain confidence online.
“But if you can’t speak to people or look at people in the eye, like in person, is that not weird? Am I weird? I mean, I know I’m weird. But people just get so used to talking to their phones. Talk to someone in person! And look like yourself. Ugh.”
Social media divided over Cunningham remarks
The candid remarks sparked mixed reactions online. Some users applauded Cunningham for voicing what they see as a cultural critique of influencer-driven environments.
Others pushed back, arguing that Los Angeles is too large and diverse to be reduced to a single stereotype.
Cunningham has built a reputation throughout her WNBA career as a fiery competitor and outspoken personality.
Since entering the league, she has never shied away from expressing strong opinions, whether about basketball or broader cultural topics. Her comments this week reinforced that image.
From a basketball standpoint, the timing is notable. There have been offseason questions about Cunningham‘s long-term future with the Fever, though no formal trade request has been reported.
Based on her latest public comments, it seems unlikely that a move to the Los Angeles Sparks is going to be forthcoming.
While NBA All-Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome celebrated star power and spectacle, Cunningham‘s rant offered a reminder that not every athlete has fallen for the bright lights of Hollywood.
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