Seattle Storm owner curses at teen girl with pro-Sophie Cunningham sign, reducing young fan to tears

A Seattle Storm co-owner cursed out and verbally berated two teenage girls sitting courtside during Tuesday night's WNBA game against Indiana Fever after they displayed a sign thanking Fever guard Sophie Cunningham for speaking out against men in women's sports. Celeste Keaton reportedly verbally attacked the girls as un-Christian and called them "f*cking insane," leaving at least one of them in tears.

The two girls, both 16 and wearing XX-XY Athletics t-shirts, a company that advocates for protecting women's sports, had held up a handmade sign reading, "Thank you, Sophie, for speaking up for girls!" The young fans said they remained respectful throughout the game and cheered for both teams, but that didn't stop Keaton from approaching them.

In an interview with Seattle-based journalist Brandi Kruse of the unDivided podcast outside Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena, one girl recalled: "We were just sitting there with our signs that said like, 'We love Sophie,' like, 'Thank you, Sophie, for speaking up,' and so we were holding on, just watching the game. We were being super great; we hadn't said anything to anyone else, we were being super respectful."

According to the teens, Keaton said, "Jesus Loves everyone," then told them, "I hope Jesus can forgive you for what sin you've done" and called them "f*cking insane." She allegedly added remarks along the lines of "How dare you come here and pull this sh*t?" while using angry facial reactions. One of the teens said she had never been yelled at like that in person and was left crying. The girls put their signs away afterward.

Kruse said she attempted to get security involved but was told to contact the main office.

In a statement to Front Office Sports, Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder said: "We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night's game. We apologize that this happened. Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect."

The incident comes after Sophie Cunningham recently found herself in the spotlight for stating her position that men should not be allowed to compete in women's sports. The star WNBA guard received mixed reactions, with the fringe left opposing her comments and moderates praising her for speaking out.

The teens were among a group of women's rights activists who rallied outside the arena before the game to support Cunningham. Kruse reported that the girls' courtside seats cost $1,300 a piece and were gifted by a donor.

Keaton is a minority co-owner of the Storm and longtime partner of majority co-owner Lisa Brummel. The Force 10 Hoops ownership group also includes Ginny Gilder and Dawn Trudeau.

The Indiana Fever went on to beat the Seattle Storm 105-95.