Fans show support
On Tuesday, ahead of the Indiana Fever’s game against the Toronto Tempo, Team Canada gold medallist April Hutchinson led the first Sophie Cunningham rally outside the United States. The rally was captured by Fox News’ Jackson Thompson on X/Twitter, where a video showed several people holding signs that read “with love is truth” and “thank you Sophie.” A separate image featured Hutchinson posing next to a picture of Cunningham.
Backlash and response
Cunningham, who became a divisive figure in the WNBA earlier this year after her comments on transgender athletes competing in the sport, was booed during the Fever‑Tempo match on August 18. While some fans in Canada expressed support, not everyone in attendance was as enthusiastic, reflecting the polarised reaction to her statements.
Cunningham’s reaction
After the game, Cunningham addressed the boos, saying: “I want to shout out the Tempo crowd and the city… The crowd was absolutely amazing. I think that’s what sports is all about. You’re going to get boos, and you’re going to get cheers. Just the fact that they’re so passionate, so loud, and that they’re putting on for the city, I think it’s amazing.”
