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During the 2024 WNBA Finals, New York Liberty's star player Breanna Stewart revealed that her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, received homophobic death threats following Game 1 of the series. The incident occurred after Stewart's crucial missed free throw and layup in the Liberty's overtime loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Speaking to NBA Today on October 15, Stewart disclosed the severity of the situation. "It came after the Game 1 loss... Marta had gotten homophobic death threats," Stewart stated, emphasizing the concerning escalation of fan behavior. The threats were delivered directly to Xargay Casademont's email, adding a personal dimension to the harassment.
The New York Police Department confirmed receiving a formal complaint and has initiated an investigation through their hate crimes taskforce. According to police records, the case is being treated as aggravated harassment against "a 33-year-old victim."
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the broader issue of player harassment during her pre-Finals state-of-the-league address, highlighting the need for enhanced player protection measures. "We continue to emphasize that there is absolutely no room for hateful or threatening comments," a WNBA spokesperson stated in response to the incident.
The couple, who married in 2021 and have two children - Ruby Mae, 3, and Theo Josep, 11 months - are taking necessary precautions. "We're taking the proper precautions... but making sure that not only am I using this platform, we're keeping it consistent and really putting the pressure on the league to keep us safe," Stewart emphasized.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about player safety and online harassment in professional sports. Stewart, a two-time MVP, noted that while fan engagement is welcome, "there's no place for hate, homophobia, racism." The Liberty organization has escalated the matter to league security, implementing additional protective measures as the Finals series continues.
