
Caitlin Clark, the 2024 TIME Athlete of the Year, isn’t letting Megyn Kelly’s harsh criticism get under her skin. During a recent appearance at the “A Year in TIME” event in New York City, the WNBA star fired back at Kelly’s comments, which called her remarks about white privilege “condescending” and “fake.” Clark had discussed her awareness of the privilege she carries as a white woman in sports, specifically the WNBA, acknowledging the important role that Black athletes have played in the league’s success. Kelly, however, was quick to dismiss these statements, suggesting they were insincere and overly self-critical.
Clark, unfazed by Kelly’s remarks, made it clear that she stands by her beliefs and feels confident in her place within the sport. She told NBC Sports’ Maria Taylor that she’s always had a strong perspective on her career, stating that she’s worked hard for everything she’s accomplished. Clark also pointed out that her admiration for Black athletes, especially Minnesota Lynx legend Maya Moore, runs deep, and she’s always been aware of the historical impact of Black women in the league. For Clark, highlighting their contributions is vital to ensuring their ongoing success and recognition.
Megyn Kelly had previously mocked Clark’s acknowledgment of white privilege in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that Clark was “apologizing” for her race in a transparent attempt to deflect attention from her own success. The TIME profile had seen Clark remark that while she feels she’s earned her achievements, she recognizes that her white privilege played a role in her visibility. She also emphasized the importance of promoting and celebrating Black athletes, stating that their contributions have been foundational to the WNBA’s growth and prominence.
Despite Kelly’s critique, Clark’s focus remains on being authentic and true to herself. She explained that the only opinions that matter to her are those from her loved ones, teammates, and coaches. In a world where public figures often face relentless scrutiny, Clark’s ability to block out negativity is one of her strongest traits. She also acknowledged the benefits of receiving attention, even if it comes from controversial sources. Clark sees the increasing spotlight on women’s basketball, including the criticism from Kelly, as a positive development for the sport, helping to drive more visibility and conversation.
As the debate continues to stir, Caitlin Clark’s unwavering confidence and commitment to her values set her apart as a role model in both sports and society. While Kelly’s comments sparked backlash, they also helped propel Clark’s message about the importance of diversity and inclusion in basketball—issues she remains deeply passionate about. For Clark, it’s clear that her success is not just about personal achievement, but about lifting up those who have shaped the game.