The recent Internet Invitational has become a major source of controversy, with golf influencer Paige Spiranac among those hit hardest by the fallout. In a series of emotional Instagram Stories, Spiranac opened up about the intense backlash she faced following the event, revealing that she received “tens of thousands of death threats” and vitriolic messages after being accused of cheating during the tournament.
Reflecting on the hostility she encountered, Spiranac shared, “The last week and a half is probably the worst hate I’ve ever received in the ten years of me doing this.” The severity of the threats led her to consider taking legal action, including the possibility of a restraining order. She emphasized the toll the online harassment has taken on her mental well-being, prompting her to step back from social media temporarily to focus on self-care.
Having amassed a following of over five million on platforms like Instagram and X, Spiranac noted her struggle with the desire for approval from fans. “I know people are wondering why I haven’t posted or why I haven’t talked about it, I just needed to remove myself for my mental health,” she explained. Thankfully, she mentioned having a strong support network of family and friends to help her cope during this challenging period.
The incident at the Internet Invitational unfolded when Spiranac mistakenly assisted her teammate, Malosi Togisala, in a way that was deemed against the rules. After the play drew scrutiny from her competitors, she emotionally admitted her lack of knowledge of the rule, stating, “I am painfully, painfully embarrassed that I did not know this rule.” She firmly stated, “I would never intentionally cheat,” emphasizing her long-standing integrity in the sport. Ultimately, Spiranac’s team lost the match in an intense finish marked by other controversies.
The tournament, organized by Barstool and hosted by popular personalities including Dave Portnoy, showcased various golf content creators over six episodes that aired recently. As Spiranac navigates the ongoing aftermath, she expressed gratitude to her supporters for their concern and outreach. “It’s been an interesting week and a half, but I just want to thank everyone for reaching out, asking me how I’m doing, all the support, really means so much to me,” she concluded, indicating a glimmer of optimism amid the turbulence.
Spiranac’s experience sheds light on the darker side of online fame, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding, especially in the face of public scrutiny.