“The View” co-host Sunny Hostin argued that “White privilege” and “pretty
privilege” played a role in Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s popularity during the
ABC talk show Wednesday.
“l do think that there is a thing called pretty privilege. There is a thing called White
privilege. There is a thing called tall privilege, and we have to acknowledge that,
and so part of it is about race, because if you think about the Brittney Griners of the
world, why did she have to go to play in Russia? Because they wouldn’t pay her,”
Hostin said, referring to the WNBA
The co-hosts of “The View” were discussing former ESPN host Jemele
Hill’s argument that Clark owed much of her popularity to her race and sexuality.
Hostin said earlier in the discussion she had no issue with Clark bringing the WNBA
some much-needed attention.
“Now, Caitlin Clark is bringing this money, these sponsorships, we hope, into the
league and other players will benefit from it. But I do think that she is more
relatable to more people because she’s White, because she’s attractive, and
unfortunately, there still is that stigma against the LGBTQ+ community,” Hostin said.
Caitlin Clark drives to the basket against the Seattle Storm on May 22, 2024.
“Seventy percent of the WNBA is Black. A third of the players are in the LGBTQ+
community and we have to do something about that stigma in this country. I think
people have a problem with basketball playing women that are lesbians. Who
cares? They are great athletes.”
Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin said she’d become a fan of the WNBA because Clark
was “so fun to watch,” adding that it had nothing to do with her skin color.
Co-host Whoopi Goldberg argued that Hostin and herself have been trying to bring
attention to the WNBA for years.
“These women are oftentimes equal if not better, sometimes, than the folks you’re
watching,” Goldberg said.
“Sometimes better than the guys!” Hostin added.
“The View” host Sunny Hostin discussing Caitlin Clark.
Clark rose to national prominence, particularly over the last two seasons, while
playing at the University of Iowa.
The all-time leading scorer in Division I NCAA women’s basketball history, she led
Iowa to consecutive appearances in the national championship game before
getting drafted first overall this year by the Fever.
Goldberg pushed back on Hill’ remarks and said Clark was getting attention
because she was an excellent player.
“To have her reduced that way bothered me a lot because this is her record,”
Goldberg said, pointing to her note card. “Unless you can show me who’s got a
better record than this, this is why she’s getting the attention she’s getting, because
she’s a damn good player and doesn’t matter whether she’s straight or gay, ain’t
nobody crying when she’s making those balls.”
Hill, in a comment to the Los Angeles Times, also called out brands like Nike for not
sponsoring more diverse players. Clark signed a $28 million deal with the
brand after she graduated from the University of Iowa and she also inked an
historic brand deal with Wilson this week.
“Black women are often erased from the picture,” Hill said. “There’s plenty of room
to highlight and celebrate Caitlin Clark’s popularity while also discussing ways in
which to not erase Black women from a league that they have built and continue to
build.”
