WNBA star Breanna Stewart and her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, were the targets of a deeply disturbing homophobic death threat sent anonymously via email. The message, filled with hateful slurs, also contained violent threats toward both women. The email chillingly read, “I hope someone shoots your wife dead.” It was a blatant attack on the couple’s identity and existence, a disturbing reminder of the ongoing challenges LGBTQ+ people face, even in spaces like sports, where progress has been made.
The couple, shaken by the threat, immediately contacted the police, but no further details about the investigation have been released. Reports suggest that the email originated from a source associated with previous threats, including bomb scares and racist comments. Stewart and Xargay have not yet commented on the matter, maintaining their privacy as they navigate this frightening ordeal.
Stewart has long been a visible member of the LGBTQ+ community, both through her impressive sports career and her personal life. As one of many openly LGBTQ+ athletes, she has faced public scrutiny, but this latest incident marks an extreme escalation in the harassment athletes like her endure. Married to Xargay since 2021, the couple has two children and has often been in the public eye, representing a beacon of hope for queer families and athletes.
The impact of such targeted hate crimes goes beyond the immediate danger faced by the individuals involved. For the LGBTQ+ community, especially athletes, these threats serve as a reminder that homophobia is still pervasive, and the fight for equality and safety is far from over. Public figures like Stewart bear the weight of being both role models and targets, a heavy burden as they continue to excel in their careers and personal lives.