Hannah Hidalgo Candace Owens Controversy

In a recent whirlwind of controversy involving Hannah Hidalgo Candace Owens, Hannah Hidalgo, a prominent women’s basketball star at Notre Dame, found herself at the center of a heated debate after sharing a video on her Instagram Story. The video featured political commentator Candace Owens discussing same-sex marriage with Don Lemon. Owens, known for her conservative viewpoints, explicitly labeled same-sex marriage as a sin, a stance that prompted immediate backlash from various communities, particularly those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

Hannah Hidalgo, an accomplished athlete recognized with the Dawn Staley Award and the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year, is no stranger to the spotlight. However, this incident has cast her in a new light, provoking intense discussion about the responsibilities of public figures in promoting inclusive or divisive messages. The video, which Hidalgo shared without additional context or comment, included a pointed exchange where Owens responded to Lemon’s inquiry about his own marriage to a man, affirming her belief that such a union was inherently sinful.

Candace Owens has consistently been a polarizing figure, championing anti-gay rhetoric and opposing the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Conversely, Don Lemon, an openly gay journalist, has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ issues, making this on-screen confrontation particularly poignant and personal.

This incident raises critical questions about the influence of athletes and public personalities in shaping societal norms and values. As the backlash unfolds, the sports world and broader societal factions are keenly watching how Hidalgo and her affiliates will navigate the fallout of her controversial decision to share such a divisive viewpoint.

Who is Hannah Hidalgo

In the world of women’s college basketball, few names shine as brightly as Hannah Hidalgo. A guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Hannah has made a significant impact early in her career. From her roots in Merchantville, New Jersey, to the national stage, her trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric.

Early Life and High School Career

Born on February 22, 2005, in Merchantville, New Jersey, Hannah Hidalgo’s passion for basketball was evident from an early age. She honed her skills at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, New Jersey, under the guidance of her father and coach, Orlando Hidalgo. By her senior year, Hannah was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 28.8 points, 7.3 steals, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Her outstanding performance led her team to the South Jersey Non-Public A final and earned her the title of Courier-Post Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons. Not only did she set the record for the highest all-time scorer at her school with 2,135 points, but she also shone brightly in the McDonald’s All-American Game, tying the event record with eight steals and scoring an impressive 26 points.

Recruitment and College Choice

Ranked as a five-star recruit and the fifth overall player in her class by ESPN, Hannah faced a pivotal decision in her career. With offers from prestigious programs like Michigan, Stanford, Duke, Ohio State, and UCF, her choice would set the stage for her collegiate career. Ultimately, Hannah chose to commit to Notre Dame, drawn by its rich basketball history and strong academic reputation.

College Career

Hannah’s college debut on November 6, 2023, was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 31 points against AP No. 6 South Carolina. This performance set the record for the highest-scoring debut by a Notre Dame player since 1999. Her freshman season continued to be record-breaking, with Hannah matching Notre Dame’s single-game record for steals and setting several freshman scoring records. Her dynamic playing style earned her first-team All-ACC honors, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year.

National and International Play

Beyond her collegiate achievements, Hannah has also made her mark on the international stage. She represented the United States at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Hungary and the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Spain. Her performances helped her team secure gold medals at both events, and her outstanding play earned her a spot on the all-tournament team in 2023. At the end of that year, she was honored as the USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.

Hannah Hidalgo is not just a basketball player; she is a phenomenon in the world of sports. With her freshman year setting the stage for a promising career, the basketball community eagerly anticipates her future achievements. As she continues to grow and challenge herself, Hannah Hidalgo remains a player to watch in the coming years.

The Controversial Post and Video

The video that stirred such vast controversy was a clipped segment from a televised interview where Candace Owens, a staunch conservative commentator, was in discussion with Don Lemon, openly gay journalist. The segment featured Owens firmly stating her views that same-sex marriage is a sin, which naturally touched a nerve given the ongoing societal debates around LGBTQ+ rights.

In the video, Lemon challenges Owens by asking about his own marriage to a man, to which Owens bluntly replies, “Yes, you’re sinning. You are in a sinful relationship. I actually don’t believe marriage can be between two men.” This exchange highlights not only the stark ideological divide between the two but also underscores the personal stakes involved for individuals like Lemon who live openly in same-sex relationships.

Hannah Hidalgo chose to share this segment on her Instagram Story, a platform known for its ephemeral content, but with a substantial impact due to her significant following as a prominent athlete. The lack of context or commentary from Hidalgo left many to assume endorsement of Owens’ views, sparking immediate and widespread backlash. The choice of platform and the decision to share such a contentious viewpoint without further comment suggested a passive endorsement that many found alarming, considering her role as a public figure in a sport celebrated for its diversity and inclusivity.

Public Backlash

The backlash to Hidalgo’s Instagram post was swift and severe, coming from a wide array of stakeholders including fans, fellow athletes, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Social media became the arena where much of the discontent was voiced, highlighting the divide between Hidalgo’s actions and the expectations of her as a role model in the sports community.

One fan expressed disbelief and disappointment on Twitter, stating, “Gotta be a hack or something cause no way you feel comfortable or sane posting this knowing the sport and community you play in.” This sentiment was echoed by another, who took back all previous commendations of the athlete: “I take back everything nice I’ve said about her.” These responses indicate a sense of betrayal felt by fans who believed that Hidalgo stood for inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Moreover, a third fan succinctly captured the confusion and dismay with a simple, “Girl what,” showcasing how perplexing many found it that Hidalgo would share such a divisive opinion in a public forum. This kind of straightforward, visceral reaction underscores the shock and disappointment resonating through Hidalgo’s fanbase and broader community.

The reactions extended beyond mere tweets and comments. Discussions about the implications of her actions were rampant on various social platforms, sports forums, and even in commentary by other public figures in the sports industry. Many highlighted how such actions could undermine team dynamics, fan support, and the inclusive culture that sports leagues strive to promote.

This section of backlash not only illuminated the immediate reactions but also set the stage for deeper conversations about the responsibilities held by athletes in the public eye. They are often seen as role models and their actions can have profound impacts on their fans and communities. As such, Hidalgo’s sharing of the Owens-Lemon exchange became a catalyst for discussions on several fronts: the personal responsibility of athletes to uphold inclusive values, the impact of their social media actions on their public personas, and the broader implications of such controversies on their careers and their sports.

Personal Perspective

As someone who has been in a committed same-sex relationship for over two decades, the recent comments shared by Hannah Hidalgo, which echo Candace Owens’ staunch anti-gay stance, strike a particularly discordant chord with me. My husband and I, like countless other same-sex couples, have nurtured a relationship that boasts a longevity many heterosexual relationships might envy. This lived reality makes the remarks not just personally offensive but also painfully dismissive of the authenticity and legitimacy of our love and commitment.

The views expressed by Owens, and seemingly endorsed by Hidalgo through her platform, categorize same-sex love and marriage as sinful. This perspective is not only archaic but also harmful. It perpetuates a narrative of exclusion and discrimination against a community that has fought tirelessly for recognition and equality under the law. To hear such views propagated by public figures is disheartening and frustrating, as it suggests a lingering resistance to accepting diverse forms of love as normal and worthy of the same respect and rights afforded to others.

Owens’ comparison of same-sex relationships to sin, and by extension, something to be repudiated or corrected, is a regressive stance that ignores both the scientific understanding and cultural shifts that have embraced LGBTQ+ rights. Such viewpoints contribute to a climate of intolerance and can lead to increased discrimination, mental health issues, and a sense of alienation among LGBTQ+ individuals.

Wider Implications

The impact of expressing such controversial views in sports and the broader society cannot be overstated. Sports figures like Hannah Hidalgo wield significant influence, not just as athletes but as role models to young fans and aspiring players. When they share or endorse discriminatory views, it not only affects their public image but also reflects on their teams, the leagues they represent, and the sports community at large. This can lead to a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ athletes and fans, undermining the spirit of inclusivity and equality that sports organizations worldwide are striving to promote.

Moreover, the legal and cultural battles surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. have seen significant shifts in recent decades. The legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015 was a landmark victory for civil rights, reflecting a broader societal acceptance and the culmination of years of advocacy. However, the persistence of public figures in maintaining anti-gay rhetoric serves as a reminder of the ongoing cultural resistance faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

This resistance not only influences public opinion but also fuels legislative initiatives aimed at rolling back LGBTQ+ rights under the guise of religious freedom and moral concern. Such legislation, often proposed at state levels, seeks to undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in areas ranging from marriage and adoption to anti-discrimination protections in employment and housing.

The cultural battle is equally profound. In media, education, and public discourse, the representation and discussion of LGBTQ+ issues continue to evoke contention, which is exacerbated when influential public figures express negative views. The debate over what constitutes family, love, and marriage continues to be polarized, with significant consequences for social cohesion and the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals.

In this broader context, the repercussions of statements like those shared by Hidalgo extend far beyond her immediate social media circle. They resonate through the corridors of power, influence public policy, and shape the daily experiences of countless individuals who find themselves at the crossroads of cultural acceptance and persistent prejudice. The challenge remains for all stakeholders, from athletes to advocates, to navigate these turbulent waters with a commitment to fairness, equality, and the universal dignity of all individuals, regardless of whom they love.

Responses and Silence

Following the significant backlash against Hannah Hidalgo for sharing Candace Owens’ controversial comments on same-sex marriage, there was a notable silence from Hidalgo herself. This lack of immediate response added another layer of tension to the unfolding drama. The community, fans, and critics eagerly awaited a clarification, apology, or any form of engagement that might explain or mitigate the implications of her actions. This silence was not just deafening but also damaging, as it allowed public speculation and anger to build without check.

Equally silent was the University of Notre Dame, where Hidalgo is not only a student but also a celebrated athlete. The university’s lack of an immediate public response left a void that was quickly filled with calls for institutional accountability. Supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and advocates for inclusivity in sports expressed disappointment and frustration over the university’s apparent non-engagement, which seemed at odds with broader educational values of diversity and inclusion.

This scenario underscores the critical importance of timely and thoughtful communication in crisis management. Silence can often be perceived as complicity, especially in high-tension situations where social justice issues are involved. Both Hidalgo and Notre Dame missed an early opportunity to address the controversy head-on, potentially guiding the conversation towards a more constructive outcome.

The controversy surrounding Hannah Hidalgo’s endorsement of anti-gay sentiments serves as a poignant reminder of the powerful role public figures play in shaping societal views. Athletes, celebrities, and other influencers possess a unique platform that can project their voices far and wide, impacting public opinion and societal norms. With this platform comes a significant responsibility, one that should not be taken lightly, especially when dealing with sensitive social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights.

This incident highlights the ongoing struggle within society to reconcile diverse viewpoints with the imperative of equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. The backlash and subsequent silence from relevant parties reflect a broader societal need for dialogue and understanding around these issues. It is imperative that public figures and institutions recognize the impact of their words and actions, considering the potential repercussions on their audiences and society at large.

In moving forward, there is a clear need for more understanding and acceptance of diverse relationships. This calls for active engagement from all societal sectors—sports, education, media, and beyond—to foster an environment where diverse identities and relationships are not just tolerated but celebrated. Education plays a crucial role in this, as does the media in shaping narratives that reflect the true diversity of human experience.

To this end, a call to action is necessary. It is crucial for influencers like Hidalgo and institutions like Notre Dame to engage more proactively in promoting inclusivity. They should take definitive stands that support all members of their communities unequivocally. Additionally, there should be ongoing educational efforts to ensure that all people, especially young individuals in influential positions, understand the impact of their public statements and the importance of inclusivity.

Ultimately, the goal should be to create a society where no individual feels marginalized or discriminated against because of who they love. This can only be achieved through continuous dialogue, education, and the willingness to stand up for each other’s rights. As this controversy has shown, silence and inaction can be just as impactful as the spoken word. It’s time for all stakeholders to use their platforms for advocacy and change, promoting a more inclusive, understanding, and diverse society.