ESPN anchor Elle Duncan is taking a stand after a controversial joke made during a recent WNBA broadcast stirred up heated conversations across social media.

The joke — which aired live and was perceived by many as crude and inappropriate — quickly went viral, prompting both backlash and support from viewers. While the exact remark was not made by Duncan herself, she was present during the segment and has since addressed the incident with clarity and conviction.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Duncan wrote:
“I won’t apologize for supporting women’s sports, or for holding people accountable when the tone crosses the line. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made — and I’m not backing down.”

Her response was met with widespread applause from WNBA players, fellow broadcasters, and fans who praised her for refusing to stay silent or deflect responsibility. Others, however, criticized the reaction as overblown, fueling a broader debate about sensitivity, humor, and representation in sports media.

The incident reflects a growing spotlight on the WNBA, which has seen increased viewership and media coverage in recent seasons. As more broadcasters cover the league, the expectations around professionalism and respect have also risen — something Duncan appears deeply committed to upholding.

Despite the controversy, Duncan remains unfazed and focused on the bigger picture: elevating women’s sports and pushing the conversation forward.

“This isn’t just about one joke,” she said in a follow-up interview. “It’s about how we value women athletes — on and off the court.”