Jemele Hill Downplays The Caitlin Clark, Morgan Wallen Controversy

Over the weekend, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was criticized by some in the WNBA world for attending a Morgan Wallen concert. Clark not only attended the concert in Indianapolis, but she also walked out with the country music star. Wallen has walked out with several standout athletes and celebrities at his concerts for the past year-plus.

Clark, who was fresh off a season-opening loss to the Dallas Wings, appeared to enjoy the moment. She posted about it on social media. But some WNBA fans quickly took to social media, too.

Many criticized Clark for associating with Wallen, who was previously caught on video using the N-word (something for which he ultimately apologized).

"So many of her colleagues are Black women. But she's fine being cool with the bigot who freely uses the n word," one critic wrote.

"Team Angel Reese," one shared.

"Well, that's disappointing," another shared.

But Jemele Hill is speaking up in defense of Caitlin Clark amid the controversy.

Hill speaks out on the controversy

Hill defended Clark.

"On the latest episode of SPOLITICS Live, I ask why Caitlin Clark is getting smoke for walking out with country star Morgan Wallen at his concert when Peyton Manning, Travis Kelce, Myles Garrett, Marshawn Lynch, and many other male athletes have done the exact same thing," Hill said.

"Chris Brown did his time. So okay. Well, some would say Morgan Wallen did too. He apologized. He went to rehab. He gave half a million dollars to black organizations. They would say he did too."

Clark, meanwhile, hasn't given any air to the controversy, choosing to simply ignore it and focus on basketball, which is probably the right move.

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM.