Paige Spiranac Opens Up About 'Tens Of Thousands' Of Death Threats Following Golf Controversy

Teeing Off Trouble: Internet Invitational Drama

The debut of the Internet Invitational was a swingin' success, but not without its share of drama. Social media sensation and golf influencer Paige Spiranac found herself in the rough after being accused of helping a teammate cheat. The event, organized by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports, saw Spiranac allegedly clear the grass for a cleaner shot, a move she's since claimed was an innocent mistake.

Facing the Backlash: Paige Speaks Out

After a self-imposed social media hiatus, Spiranac addressed the storm surrounding her on Instagram. "The last week and a half is probably the worst hate I’ve ever received in the 10 years of me doing this," she shared. Spiranac opened up about the sheer volume of death threats she received – tens of thousands – that pushed her to consider legal action.

“I'm talking tens of thousands of death threats, people telling me to kill myself, the most vile, horrendous stuff you could ever say to an individual,” she recounted in a heartfelt post. "It’s like, serious stuff. It’s not easy, and it hasn’t been easy."

Clarifying the Controversy: It Wasn't Cheating

The bone of contention was a shot on the ninth hole. Spiranac, in a separate post, insisted, “I would never intentionally cheat. In all my years of playing golf, I have never been accused of cheating.” Despite the claims, her team's game ended in defeat on the 18th hole, with the victory and the $1 million prize going to Brad Dalke, Francis Ellis, and Cody “Beef” Franke. The event was filmed in August and streamed online, just weeks before the tragic passing of Franke.

Conclusion: Bridging the Irony

While the Internet Invitational continues to draw views online, Spiranac's experience shines a light on the darker side of fame and the brutal nature of online interactions. Her story serves as a reminder of the very real impact of cyberbullying and the importance of mental health awareness. As Spiranac continues to navigate through the backlash, her resilience remains a testament to the strength required in the face of public scrutiny.