Controversial Camera Angles Spark Outrage During Paulina Gretzky’s Appearance at Historic Major Win

Pittsburgh, PA - The 2025 U.S. Open returns to Oakmont Country Club, where a infamous controversy in 2016 sparked outrage over FOX Sports' excessive camera focus on Dustin Johnson's then-fiancée, Paulina Gretzky. Now, as the championship is back at the historic course, the debate over media ethics and boundaries in sports broadcasting is once again resurfacing.

At the 2016 U.S. Open, FOX Sports faced heavy criticism for its camera coverage of Gretzky, daughter of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, who was cheering Johnson on as he captured his first-ever major title. The network's decision to focus excessive attention on her outfit sparked a wave of online backlash, with many viewers feeling that the network had crossed a line between coverage and voyeurism.

Some camera angles were particularly criticized, such as when a cameraman filmed Gretzky from behind as she climbed the stairs with Johnson, trying to adjust her dress. The footage was seen as intrusive and exploitative, with many viewers taking aim at FOX Sports' decision to prioritize Gretzky's appearance over the sports event itself.

On social media, the public weighed in on the controversy. "You know a man is in charge if camera following #PaulinaGretzky @DJohnsonPGA up the damn stairs," one viewer wrote on X. Another sarcastically chimed in, "Who’s more p----- off right now — Wayne Gretzky or the cameraman’s wife?" A third person summed up the general sentiment: "This is just plain creepy at this point. The cameraman has clearly been told to get these shots, they're trying to do it as much as they can!"

The controversy serves as a cautionary tale about the balance between public figures, media curiosity, and respect. As golf's biggest names return to Oakmont, the spotlight on athletes' families—and the way they are portrayed—remains sharp.

Meanwhile, Johnson is set to make his LIV Golf tour debut at the 2025 U.S.Open, where he finished five-over-par in his opening round. His wife, Paulina, also made headlines recently after a steamy photo shoot with Johnson drew attention online.

The return of the championships to Oakmont brings back unwanted memories for FOX Sports, which has left many feeling that the network's focus on athletes' personal lives should be more balanced and less invasive.