"Putting her in this group is ridiculous": Outrage over Caitlin Clark's inclusion in 'Everybody Hates' show
VICE TV’s lineup has sparked immediate criticism over how the WNBA star is being framed
C aitlin Clark ’s next major television appearance was supposed to examine the intense attention that has followed her rise through college basketball and into the WNBA . Instead, much of the early conversation has centered on the company she is keeping.
VICE TV’s upcoming six-part anthology series, Everybody Hates, will devote individual episodes to polarizing sports figures, with Clark joining a lineup that also includes Jake Paul, Aaron Rodgers, Michael Vick, Cristiano Ronaldo and Floyd Mayweather Jr .
The announcement immediately drew pushback from fans who argued that Clark ’s presence alongside several athletes associated with very different kinds of controversy creates an uncomfortable comparison.
“Caitlin Clark does not belong on the same list as these men,” one fan wrote. Another added: “Clark is hated for no reason, but she shouldn’t be here. I get why they likely chose her, but still.”
Fans question framing around Clark
The strongest reaction focused on whether Clark ’s polarizing status is comparable to the reputations of some of the other subjects.
“This is just not good company to be in and I am not even a fan of CC, but extremely odd to put her next to abusers in this,” one commenter wrote.
Another fan said: “So, the worst thing a woman can do is be passionate and competitive for her to be in the same lineup with these awful, disgusting men? Got it.”
WNBA analyst and CBS Sports sideline reporter Ashley Nicole Moss was similarly blunt. “Putting Caitlin Clark in this group is ridiculous,” Moss wrote.
Not every reaction rejected the premise entirely. One fan argued that the hostility surrounding Clark is often directed at the broader discourse around her rather than Clark herself.
“Everyone hates CC’s weird fans. I think there is significantly less hate for her personally,” the commenter said.
Focus on fame, scrutiny and public reaction
Clark ’s episode is scheduled for November 10 and is expected to examine how she became one of the biggest names in women’s basketball and the media storm that has followed.
Sports personality Rachel A. DeMita and journalist Jemele Hill are set to discuss Clark’s rise and the debate surrounding her public image. The series is scheduled to premiere Oct. 27 at 9 p.m. ET, with episodes also set to air through VICE TV’s YouTube channel.
Clark has appeared in a major docuseries before. ESPN+ featured her prominently in Full Court Press, which followed her final season at Iowa and transition toward the WNBA.
Clark’s profile continues to grow
The timing of the announcement comes as Clark is again dominating attention for her basketball.
She posted 27 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and four steals in Indiana’s 96-77 victory over Minnesota on Tuesday, then drew praise after giving her game-worn shoes to two young fans.
“CC, you’re just impressive… thank you for being a role model for our kids,” one fan wrote afterward.
That contrast is part of what has fueled the reaction to Everybody Hates. VICE’s premise may be about polarizing sports personalities.
Many fans, though, appear to believe Clark ’s inclusion says as much about the culture surrounding her as it does about the player herself.
