A timeline of the messy controversy between hockey star Alexander Wennberg and TikTok's book community

Samantha GrindellAug 3, 2023, 08:23 IST

Alex Wennberg smiling at his wife Felicia Wennberg and son Rio at a game on April 13, 2023.Steph Chambers/Getty Images

TikTok's book community is spiraling over a controversy surrounding hockey player Alex Wennberg.
Wennberg became the object of BookTok's obsession, but he and his wife say fans crossed the line.

Hockey romance books have become popular on BookTok, and for some fans, this extended into a love of the real sport.

Hockey books are popular on TikTok.Erik Isakson/Getty Images

BookToker Kierra Lewis says she became interested in hockey after reading "Pucking Around" by Emily Rath in April 2023.

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Lewis started posting about the Seattle Kraken hockey team, focusing her videos on the specific players she found attractive.

Members of the Seattle Kraken hockey team.Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

The Seattle Kraken leaned into BookTok's love of hockey videos and Lewis' attention in particular.

Alex Wennberg was in many of the Seattle Kraken's videos.Steph Chambers/Getty Images

After being invited by the team, Lewis attended a game on May 9 and yelled sexually suggestive comments at the players.

Alex Wennberg was heavily featured on the Kraken's social media.Christopher Mast/NHLI via Getty Images

On July 28, Alex's wife Felicia posted an Instagram story saying she was uncomfortable with the videos BookTokers were making about her husband, including a screenshot from one of Lewis' videos.

Felicia Wennberg's statement.@feliciaweerenwennberg/Instagram

On July 28, Alex's wife Felicia posted an Instagram story saying she was uncomfortable with the videos BookTokers were making about her husband, including a screenshot from one of Lewis' videos.

On July 29, Lewis posted what many assume was a response video.

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The Seattle Kraken unfollowed Lewis and pivoted its social media away from BookTok, though it's unclear when.

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After the Kraken unfollowed her, Lewis posted more videos about the situation and said she had reached out to Felicia.

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Felicia released a lengthy statement on her Instagram story in response to Lewis' comments on July 29.

Felicia Wennberg released another statement on Instagram.@feliciaweerenwennberg/Instagram

Alex released his own statement on July 29, saying he was frustrated with TikTokers' comments and defending his wife.

Alex Wennberg posted his own statement.@alexanderwennberg/Instagram

Lewis released her own statement calling out Felicia and the Seattle Kraken on her TikTok on July 29.

Kierra Lewis released a statement on TikTok.@kierralewis75/TikTok

Ultimately, BookTok was split, and Lewis and Felicia were both harassed online.

As the situation unfolded, BookTokers took it upon themselves to harass both Lewis and Felicia on their social media platforms depending on who they thought was in the wrong.

They both received negative comments about the situation on their recent posts, with some people telling Lewis her content was inappropriate and others saying Felicia was wrong for singling out Lewis.

In addition, people voiced skepticism for the Seattle Kraken, pointing to the team's interactions with Lewis and its deleted videos that appeared to sexualize the players.

On Wednesday, Lewis returned to posting her normal TikTok content after a three-day hiatus.

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A timeline of the messy controversy between hockey star Alexander Wennberg and TikTok's book community

Hockey romance books have become popular on BookTok, and for some fans, this extended into a love of the real sport.

BookToker Kierra Lewis says she became interested in hockey after reading "Pucking Around" by Emily Rath in April 2023.

Lewis started posting about the Seattle Kraken hockey team, focusing her videos on the specific players she found attractive.

The Seattle Kraken leaned into BookTok's love of hockey videos and Lewis' attention in particular.

After being invited by the team, Lewis attended a game on May 9 and yelled sexually suggestive comments at the players.

On July 28, Alex's wife Felicia posted an Instagram story saying she was uncomfortable with the videos BookTokers were making about her husband, including a screenshot from one of Lewis' videos.

On July 29, Lewis posted what many assume was a response video.

The Seattle Kraken unfollowed Lewis and pivoted its social media away from BookTok, though it's unclear when.

After the Kraken unfollowed her, Lewis posted more videos about the situation and said she had reached out to Felicia.

Felicia released a lengthy statement on her Instagram story in response to Lewis' comments on July 29.

Alex released his own statement on July 29, saying he was frustrated with TikTokers' comments and defending his wife.

Lewis released her own statement calling out Felicia and the Seattle Kraken on her TikTok on July 29.

Ultimately, BookTok was split, and Lewis and Felicia were both harassed online.

On Wednesday, Lewis returned to posting her normal TikTok content after a three-day hiatus.