Social Media Debates Kelsey Plum Calling Fans Weird For Wanting Autographs Outside of Hotel

On June 18, 2025, WNBA star Kelsey Plum sparked a firestorm on social media after a video surfaced of her expressing discomfort with fans—specifically men—asking for her autograph outside her hotel. The incident, reported by the Daily Mail, showed Plum, now with the Los Angeles Sparks, reacting to autograph seekers with a comment that many interpreted as dismissive: “Don’t y’all find that kind of weird?” The clip, which cut off part of her statement, went viral, igniting a heated debate online about whether Plum was wrong to call out fans in this way. Here’s a look at the incident, the social media reactions, and the broader context of Plum’s comments.

The Incident: A Misunderstanding or a Misstep?

The video, captured outside a hotel, showed Plum interacting with a couple of fans seeking her autograph. Her facial expression and tone suggested unease, and her remark about finding it “weird” that fans, particularly men, were waiting for her sparked immediate backlash. According to reports, Plum did sign the autographs despite her discomfort, but the partial clip left out additional context about what specifically she found odd. Some speculated she was referring to fans who might be reselling signed memorabilia rather than genuine supporters, a common issue for athletes.

The timing of the incident added fuel to the fire. Plum, a three-time WNBA All-Star and former Las Vegas Aces champion, was traded to the Sparks in a three-team deal before the 2025 season. Her move to Los Angeles has brought increased exposure, and with it, more fan interactions. The WNBA’s growing popularity, partly driven by stars like Caitlin Clark, has also put players like Plum under a brighter spotlight, making every public moment ripe for scrutiny.

Social Media’s Divide: Support vs. Criticism

Social media, particularly on X, erupted with polarized reactions to Plum’s comments. Critics were quick to slam her, arguing that she showed ingratitude toward fans who support the WNBA, a league that has historically struggled financially. One user wrote, “The arrogance and ungratefulness Kelsey Plum is displaying is pathetic and only hurts a league that is in need of fans. She should be honored anyone is asking her for her autograph” (@KennethPolvent). Another expressed frustration, saying, “Why are the WNBA women so f–ked up in the head? Dude is just asking for an autograph. What is Kelsey Plum’s f–king problem?” (@IceIceBrand0n). Some even tied her reaction to broader narratives, suggesting WNBA players resent the popularity of stars like Clark and struggle to handle their own fame: “These women despise Caitlin Clark’s popularity and at the same time, if they had her popularity, they could not handle it” (@totalprosports).

On the other hand, supporters of Plum argued that her discomfort was valid, especially given the potential for fans to cross boundaries. One X user pointed out the challenges of modern fandom, noting, “We live in an age where fans have so much more access, stalk, say wild shit on social media, and this dude was an obvious seller waiting outside the hotel. This shit would weird me out too” (@doingthefavor). Others defended her right to set boundaries, with a fan commenting, “The part she found weird was cut off. Then she autographed it anyway” (@ndhawk88), suggesting the video was taken out of context. Some emphasized that athletes, especially women, face unique pressures and safety concerns when approached by strangers, particularly in non-game settings like hotels.

Plum’s History and the WNBA’s Growing Pains

This isn’t the first time Plum has faced social media scrutiny. In 2023, she was criticized for comments about the New York Liberty during the WNBA Finals, later apologizing and blaming the media for taking her words out of context (awfulannouncing.com). Earlier in 2025, she made headlines for a profanity-laced rant about WNBA officiating, which some interpreted as implying racial bias in foul calls, further polarizing fans (outkick.com). These incidents have painted Plum as a polarizing figure, with a reputation for speaking her mind, sometimes to her detriment.

The debate also reflects broader tensions in the WNBA. As the league gains traction, driven by stars like Clark and Angel Reese, players are navigating newfound fame. Plum herself has acknowledged the challenges of public life, referencing her tough offseason in 2024, which included a public divorce (foxnews.com). The increased attention brings both opportunities and pressures, and Plum’s reaction may stem from the strain of constant accessibility. Posts on X have noted that the WNBA’s financial struggles—losing $10-12 million annually, with salaries subsidized by the NBA—put additional pressure on players to engage with fans, even when it feels invasive (reddit.com).

Was Plum Wrong?

The question of whether Plum was “wrong” depends on perspective. Critics argue that as a public figure in a growing league, she has a responsibility to embrace fans, even in uncomfortable situations. The WNBA’s success relies on fan engagement, and dismissing autograph seekers risks alienating supporters. Some fans felt her comments were hypocritical, given her past complaints about the league’s lack of revenue and player salaries (reddit.com).

Supporters, however, argue that Plum’s discomfort is understandable, especially if she suspected the fans were resellers or felt unsafe. Female athletes often face heightened scrutiny and harassment, and waiting outside a hotel can feel intrusive. The partial video clip may have exaggerated her tone, as she ultimately signed the autographs. Her history of mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety during her college years (espn.com), adds context to her need for boundaries.

Flip the page for video of Kelsey Plum saying these guys are turning her off and some of the twitter reactions.

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