At a Glance
- Anthony Donatelli and his 4-year-old daughter, Reece, shared viral NFL playoff predictions.
- The videos triggered death threats and hateful messages.
- The family will keep the tradition private and continue making picks together.
Why it matters: The incident shows how a harmless online tradition can quickly become dangerous.
A Lighthearted Tradition
Anthony Donatelli first shared his daughter’s playful predictions on social media years ago, hoping to spark interest in football among parents and kids. The videos were simple: Reece would point at a team, sometimes citing the color of her dress or a favorite food, and declare her pick.
During the 2025 NFL playoffs, the videos gained traction and were widely shared. Viewers who disagreed with Reece’s choices began to comment negatively.
Backlash Turns Violent
The tone of the comments shifted when Reece’s predictions were posted during the playoffs. Viewers flooded the posts with hateful messages. Some threatened the family with death.
“We’re just very sad right now with the negative turn this has taken for our family,” Donatelli told News Of Los Angeles.
He added that the family was shaken by the experience and that they were receiving calls from people demanding money for incorrect predictions.
Public Reaction
A clip of Reece’s picks drew attention online, including a brief comment from Cardi B during an Instagram Live. Cardi B criticized the prediction before apologizing moments later, saying she did not intend to make the comment.
The backlash also included claims that Donatelli owed thousands of dollars because the daughter’s picks were wrong. He clarified, “I’m not here to fight fire with fire. I’m not angry. We don’t want anybody or anything to ruin what Reece and I have created and how we bond.”
Family’s Plan Moving Forward
Despite the threats, Donatelli said he and Reece will continue making picks, but will keep the tradition private. “It’s just going to be something special between dad & daughter from now on,” he said.
He emphasized that Reece’s choices are based on silly reasons-“She’s picking teams based on the color of her dress, or she’ll pick the Packers because she likes cheese. She just relates these silly little things as reasons why she picks certain teams.”
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 26, 2026 | Videos of Reece’s predictions go viral |
| Early 2026 | Backlash intensifies; death threats received |
| Mid 2026 | Cardi B reacts; family announces private approach |
Key Takeaways
- Viral content can quickly turn harmful when it attracts negative attention.
- Families may face personal safety threats from online backlash.
- Keeping traditions private can protect children from harassment.
The incident highlights the need for online platforms to address hateful content and protect vulnerable users.
