WNBA champion and Connecticut Sun guard Natasha Cloud doubled down on her stance that the U.S. prioritizes profit over people, responding defiantly to criticism on social media.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Cloud defended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which have faced cuts under the Trump administration and in corporate America. She argued that systemic power structures remain unchanged and called for dismantling systems she believes favor White men.
“Thing is I’m not soft, & words don’t hurt me lol are we 5? it still remains people over profit,” she wrote on X. “If yall truly about being unbiased… Google search any overseas media coverage of what’s happening in America.
“Then come back to me and tell me the whole world crazy.”
“I understand the business aspect and I understand the human aspect,” Cloud stated. “Too often this country has put the human aspect aside and put profit and money over people.”
A three-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection, Cloud has been vocal about social issues, using her platform to advocate for change.
In August 2024, after spending almost 10 months in a Russian prison after being arrested for drug charges in 2022, WNBA star Brittney Griner cried during the United States national anthem after winning gold at the Olympics.
The formerly outspoken critic of the national anthem could be seen wiping her tears during the performance Sunday.
“You have the right to protest, the right to be able to speak out, question, challenge and do all these things,” Griner said.
“What I went through and everything, it just means a little bit more to me now. So I want to be able to stand. I was literally in a cage [in Russia] and could not stand the way I wanted to,” she continued.
“Just being able to hear my national anthem, see my flag, I definitely want to stand. Now everybody that will not stand or not come out, I totally support them 100 percent. That’s our right, as an American in this great country.”
