British skier Gus Kenworthy has publicly disclosed that he has received a torrent of homophobic abuse and been told to kill himself in the aftermath of his graphic protest against the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The 2014 Olympic silver medallist, who previously competed for the United States before switching to Team GB seven years ago, ignited controversy on social media last week by urinating the words 'f*** ICE' in the snow and sharing a photograph online.
Vicious Backlash on Social Media
In a video message posted to his Instagram account, Kenworthy highlighted the severe backlash he has faced. He stated, 'I care about the US and I care about what's happening there. I'm saying all this because the other day I posted a photo with my thoughts on ICE and that photo has since gone everywhere.'
He continued, 'I've gotten a ton of messages and most of them honestly have been supportive and encouraging people thanking me for speaking up and using my platform. But a lot of the messages have been awful. People telling me to kill myself, threatening me, wishing that they'll get to see me blow my knee or break my neck during my event, calling me slurs. It's insane.'
Athletes Speaking Out Against US Policy
The issue of athletes voicing dissent against US policy has emerged as a recurring theme at the Winter Olympics. Hunter Hess, a freestyle skier from Oregon, was labelled a 'loser' by former President Donald Trump after expressing mixed feelings about representing the United States. Hess remarked, 'It's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US.'
In response, Trump took to his Truth Social account, asserting that Hess should not compete for the US if he opposes the administration. Additionally, two-time Olympic champion skier Mikaela Shiffrin quoted Nelson Mandela, expressing hope for inclusivity regardless of social markers.
Kenworthy's Stance on ICE
Kenworthy expanded on his protest by condemning ICE as 'absolutely evil,' citing two killings in Minneapolis. He explained, 'I just want to remind everyone that like you can love the US and be proud to be an American. I am. And still think it can be better and still think that the country can improve. And just because you love the US doesn't mean you stand with this administration and stand behind their policies and their legislation and support the things that they support.'
He detailed his concerns, saying, 'I do not support ICE. And I think it's absolutely evil and awful and terrifying. There have been US citizens that have been murdered in the street, executed in the street. And the officers are essentially acting with like impunity because their identities are covered. There's no accountability. It's really scary. They're racially profiling people, rounding up black and brown folks and kidnapping them, putting them in unmarked vehicles with no arrest warrant, no probable cause. They're being held without any sort of due process.'
No Action from Olympic Authorities
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that Kenworthy will face no disciplinary action, despite rules prohibiting political demonstrations at the Games. The British Olympic Association, which was unconcerned by Kenworthy's initial posts as they occurred away from an Olympic site, has been approached for further comment.
Kenworthy concluded his message by reflecting on the potential consequences of speaking out. He said, 'Maybe that's the price you pay for speaking up and using your platform. And so maybe this video is just going to invite more hate and vitriol. But I think it's important to say what we feel and stand up for what we believe in and stand up to injustice. And I've been really proud seeing other athletes doing that.'
