Claressa Shields Hits Back at Online Critics With 10-Point Facebook Message
Professional boxer Claressa Shields published a 10-point statement on Facebook addressing persistent online criticism. The two-time Olympian attributed the online backlash to her athletic success, wealth, appearance, and self-confidence.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and professional boxing champion Claressa Shields addressed her online critics directly in a detailed 10-point statement posted to Facebook. According to reporting by Complex, the celebrated athlete outlined the specific reasons she believes she regularly encounters negative comments online, declaring to her detractors that they "hate what they can’t imitate." In her post shared on Friday, Oct. 9, Shields broke down her perspective on why she catches flack across social media platforms.
The list began with athletic and professional comparisons, as reported by Complex, where Shields stated that many of her critics cannot fight, lack successful careers, and do not possess her level of financial wealth. She also cited physical fitness and personal appearance, adding that detractors are not in shape like her, do not have clear skin, and lack personal confidence or self-esteem. Continuing through her 10-point message, Shields emphasized her appearance, intelligence, and personal faith.
According to Complex, the boxer wrote that critics do not look better than her and asserted that she is loved and favored by God. She characterized her detractors as "not smart" and wrote that they are simply haters, adding that their mothers were haters as well. Shields concluded the numbered list by declaring that she will never be a follower, labeling her critics as followers, bandwagoners, and stalkers. Following the list, Shields urged online users to look inward and cease circulating gossip about her personal life.
As documented by Complex, she asked why critics spend time hating on her daily choices, including her clothes, shoes, hair, finances, and her relationship with Papoose, if they are not intimidated by her. She encouraged detractors to stop waiting for the next rumor about her to spread online. The direct public statement comes shortly after Shields announced in September that she was embarking on a three-month "negativity cleanse." According to Complex, Shields originally stated she wanted to protect her energy and avoid being easily provoked following an online exchange with rapper Remy Ma, who is the estranged wife of Papoose.
During her September announcement, Shields noted that while she does not consider herself mean, she will not allow anyone to pick on her. Shields' recent Facebook post signals an assertive stance against persistent internet commentary despite her prior cleanse announcement. Kulture Newz has not independently confirmed whether Shields plans to adjust her social media activity moving forward.