The glamorous world of a tennis WAG has collided with the fierce divisiveness of American politics, sparking a firestorm on social media. Morgan Riddle, the influencer girlfriend of American tennis star Taylor Fritz, has found herself at the centre of a major controversy following her posts from the US Open in New York.
Riddle, who has built a substantial online following by documenting her life on the tour, took to her Instagram Stories to share her dismay at seeing former President Donald Trump and his supporters at the tournament. In a since-deleted video, she captured Trump's arrival, quipping to her audience that she was surrounded by his ardent followers.
A Heated Exchange and Accusations of 'Brainwashing'
The situation escalated when conservative commentator Charlie Kirk quote-tweeted one of Riddle's posts, criticising her. Riddle did not back down, firing back a reply that would ignite the fury of the right-wing community.
"You and your following are quite literally brainwashing people and creating a cult," she accused Kirk directly. This blunt characterisation of the MAGA movement as a 'cult' served as fuel to the fire, drawing swift and severe condemnation from prominent conservative voices online.
The Conservative Backlash Erupts
The reaction was immediate and vitriolic. Political commentator Joey Mannarino launched a personal attack, telling Riddle to "stick to getting glammed up" and to stay out of politics. Other critics slammed her comments as "elitist" and "out of touch," accusing her of mocking ordinary Americans who support the former president.
The backlash highlights the intense polarisation in the US, where even the privileged bubble of a major sporting event is not immune to the country's deep political divisions. Riddle's attempt to share a candid moment with her followers transcended tennis, becoming a lightning rod for political debate.
Silence from the Court
As the online storm rages, there has been no public comment from Riddle's boyfriend, Taylor Fritz, who was competing at the tournament. The focus, for now, remains firmly on his partner's political commentary rather than his athletic performance on the court.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that in the age of social media, the personal and political are inextricably linked, and that public figures—even those in the sports and influencer sphere—can quickly find themselves in the eye of a political hurricane.
