Natasha Cloud’s Pro-Trans Message After Encounter With Enes Kanter Freedom

Natasha Cloud, a guard for the Chicago Sky, expressed her support for the transgender community following an incident involving Enes Kanter Freedom. The altercation occurred during the team’s loss to the Indiana Fever on August 23, 2026.

In the third quarter, Cloud scored, prompting the Fever to call a timeout. She then directed her emotion towards Freedom, who was seated near the basket at Wintrust Arena. The exchange escalated, requiring Sky players and security personnel to intervene as Freedom approached Cloud.

The specific reason for the confrontation was not immediately clear. Freedom was subsequently escorted out and barred from returning to the game.

Following the incident, Cloud did not address the media but posted a message on Threads supporting the transgender community. She wrote: “To every trans kid/person, You are a part of MY community & tribe. You belong. You’re loved. You’re seen. You’re perfect as you are. & you will always be protected by me.”

The post seemed to respond to Freedom’s advocacy for women’s sports and his recent announcement to compete in the WNBA. Freedom wore a T-shirt with the definition of a woman, reading: “Woman – adult human female.” This was his first attendance at a WNBA game after expressing interest in joining the league.

Upon entering the arena, Freedom faced backlash from WNBA fans. He later posted on social media, declaring, “I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!” In another post, he stated, “It’s always women hating on other women.”

Both Cloud and Freedom used social media as platforms to voice their perspectives, highlighting ongoing debates over transgender athletes in women’s sports.