Caitlin Clark’s popularity comes from ‘pretty privilege and white privilege’ says The View co-host Sunny Hostin

The View co-host Sunny Hostin emphasized that Caitlin Clark’s popularity is due to her race and appearance.

Clark, who had a historic NCAA career at Iowa, shot to fame this year after another successful season with the Hawkeyes. Clark’s star brightened even more when she became the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.

During Wednesday’s edition of the ABC talk show, Hostin spoke out about the privilege that played a role in Clark’s ever-growing popularity.

“I really think there is such a thing as proper privilege,” Hostin said. ‘There is such a thing as white privilege. There is such a thing as great privilege, and we need to recognize that.”

“And so some of it is about race, because when you think about the Brittney Grinners of the world, why did she have to go play in Russia? Because they wouldn’t pay her,” she said of the WNBA.

Clark’s popularity began during her historic collegiate career at the University of Iowa

Her stardom continued to grow when she was selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft

The discussion stemmed from the panel addressing former ESPN anchor Jemele Hill, stating that Clark’s fame is a byproduct of her race and sexuality. While she agreed with the gist of the argument, Hostin said she has no problem with Clark focusing attention on the competition.

“Now Caitlin Clark is bringing this money, this sponsorship, we hope, to the league, and other players will benefit from it,” Hostin said. “But I do think she’s relatable to more people because she’s white, because she’s attractive, and unfortunately there’s still a stigma against the LGBTQ+ community.”

“Seventy percent of the WNBA is black. A third of players are in the LGBTQ+ community, and we need to address that stigma in this country. I think people have a problem with lesbians playing basketball. Who cares? They are great athletes.”

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin responded by saying she became a fan of the WNBA because Clark is “so fun to watch” — and noted it had nothing to do with her race.

While co-host Whoopi Goldberg argued that she and Hostin have been trying to advocate for the WNBA for years, the former also pushed back on Hill’s comments.

“It really bothered me that I had to shrink her down like that, because this is her record,” Goldberg said, pointing to her notecard.

Jemele Hill previously argued that Clark’s popularity is a byproduct of her race and sexuality

Clark led Iowa to consecutive title game appearances and broke the Division 1 scoring record

Clark is averaging 17 points, four rebounds and 5.5 assists as the Fever sits at 0-4

“Unless you can show me who has a better record than this, this is why she gets the attention she gets, because she’s a damn good player and it doesn’t matter if she’s straight or gay. No one cries when she makes those balls.”

After Clark signed a lucrative $28 million deal with Nike after graduating, Hill called out sports brands for not sponsoring more diverse athletes.

“Black women are often erased from the picture,” Hill said. “There is plenty of room to highlight and celebrate Caitlin Clark’s popularity, while also discussing ways we cannot erase Black women from a class they have built and continue to build.”

So far in her rookie season, Clark is averaging 17 points, four rebounds and 5.5 assists as the Fever are off to an 0-4 start. Nevertheless, the WNBA has seen a spike in ticket sales and viewership at each game featuring Indiana’s newest star.