Michelle Obama Issues Stern Warning to Angel Reese's Critics

Michelle Obama has heard the critics of WNBA star Angel Reese. And she doesn't like them.

The former First Lady of the United States welcomed Reese to her podcast "IMO," co-hosted by her brother Craig Robinson. Michelle Obama, who is from Chicago, has a special connection to Reese. The WNBA star spent the first two seasons of her professional career in Chicago, playing for the Sky, before getting traded to Atlanta.

During the episode, Obama praised Reese for how she's handled herself.

"You are handling yourself beautifully. I mean, it's not just what you do, but the way you carry yourself, girl. I mean, it is really a joy to watch you manage it all, and you do it with a smile on your face with an excellent attitude," Obama told her. "You are a special, special person." 

"Thank you. It's an honor coming from you, the queen," Reese said.

Reese was appreciative of Obama for giving her a "safe space."

"I don't think anybody will ever understand [what I've been through]," Reese shared. "I appreciate you guys for making this a safe space for me because, as you said, the media has not always been great for me."

She continued: "[Like] I'll take a fine. I'll catch a fine, especially in the WNBA. I'll take a fine before I have to go to media and feel like my back is against the wall. So I really appreciate you guys for allowing me to come on here and this feel like a safe space. And one of the safest spaces that it's been in a very, very long time for me."

Michelle Obama's stern warning to critics

Michelle Obama made it clear that she will always be on Reese's side. She's warning her critics to stay away.

"Don't mess with this girl. Don't miss with her spirit. Do not mess with this angel. Stop it. Just stop it," Michelle Obama warned.

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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 4:35 PM.