Gus Kenworthy, a British Olympic skier, has faced death threats and hate messages on social media after posting a graphic message about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Instagram. The 34-year-old, who is from Chelmsford but grew up in the US, shared his thoughts on ICE with an expletive before a Winter Olympics event in Italy.
Kenworthy stated that while he has received many supportive messages, many have been "awful" and threatening, including messages wishing him harm or death. He expressed sadness over the hate messages and mentioned how difficult it was to express himself freely.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) said Team GB takes athlete welfare seriously and is offering support services for athletes in such situations. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also implemented an AI system to monitor social media for abusive posts directed at athletes during the Winter Games.
Kenworthy's comments have sparked discussions about representation, identity, and freedom of speech among athletes, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Double Olympic champion Chloe Kim, who begins her snowboard halfpipe campaign representing the US on Wednesday, stressed the need for "love and compassion." She said that as an American born to Korean parents, she feels a strong connection to her heritage but also understands the importance of unity and kindness.
The US has faced protests over the death of two ICE agents in January, with some residents expressing anger towards the organization. Kenworthy's experience highlights the challenges athletes face when using their platforms to speak out on social issues.
Kenworthy will compete in the men's snowboard halfpipe event at the Winter Olympics in Italy, where he aims to inspire and promote unity among athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Kenworthy stated that while he has received many supportive messages, many have been "awful" and threatening, including messages wishing him harm or death. He expressed sadness over the hate messages and mentioned how difficult it was to express himself freely.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) said Team GB takes athlete welfare seriously and is offering support services for athletes in such situations. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also implemented an AI system to monitor social media for abusive posts directed at athletes during the Winter Games.
Kenworthy's comments have sparked discussions about representation, identity, and freedom of speech among athletes, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Double Olympic champion Chloe Kim, who begins her snowboard halfpipe campaign representing the US on Wednesday, stressed the need for "love and compassion." She said that as an American born to Korean parents, she feels a strong connection to her heritage but also understands the importance of unity and kindness.
The US has faced protests over the death of two ICE agents in January, with some residents expressing anger towards the organization. Kenworthy's experience highlights the challenges athletes face when using their platforms to speak out on social issues.
Kenworthy will compete in the men's snowboard halfpipe event at the Winter Olympics in Italy, where he aims to inspire and promote unity among athletes from diverse backgrounds.
just read about Gus Kenworthy getting death threats after talking about ICE 
can't believe people are so cruel online! I feel so sorry for him, poor bloke's having a tough time 
gotta give it to Chloe Kim though, she spoke out with love and kindness 
it's not always easy to express yourself freely when you're a public figure. We need more athletes like Kenworthy who aren't afraid to speak up about issues they care about 
. I mean, I get it, we need more diversity of voices but Gus Kenworthy's experience is just another example of how the internet can turn nasty when people feel threatened or offended 
. As a skier, he should be able to compete without having to worry about being roasted online, you know? The IOC's AI system might help, but it's not like it's foolproof 
. I'm all for representation and speaking out, but can we please just have a respectful conversation instead of resorting to hate messages or death threats? 
That's just not cool.
Athletes like Kenworthy and Kim are using their platforms to show us all that diversity is strength, not weakness. Let's support them and each other in this journey towards unity and understanding. 
I'm so frustrated for Gus Kenworthy right now 
. It's like the internet has become this toxic wasteland where hate speech is normalized 
. I don't get why we can't just call out ICE for its shady stuff without getting threatened 
. I'm all for representation and diversity in sports, but we need to do better than just talking about it 
. We need to take action and create a culture of love and kindness online 
... can we just talk about how messed up our society is when ppl feel comfortable sending death threats online? 
... anyway, I'm loving the fact that Chloe Kim is bringing some positivity to the table 
... love her message of "love and compassion" - we need more of that in sports and beyond! 
I'm totally with him on this one, though - it's messed up that people are being so hateful online. I mean, isn't social media supposed to be a place for connection and conversation, not for spewing hate and threats? 
. The IOC and BOA are taking steps in the right direction by offering support services, but can't we all just get along? 
It's always a good idea to use your platform to promote unity and kindness, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like immigration 
His posts got a lot of support, which is awesome, but some messages are literally wishing him harm... that's not cool at all 
The internet can be so harsh sometimes... people need to learn to respect each other's opinions 
. It's not okay to wish harm or death on someone just because you disagree with their views 
. The IOC is taking steps in the right direction by monitoring social media and implementing support services for athletes 
. It's not about being silent or hiding one's feelings; it's about doing so with love, kindness, and respect 
!
kenworthy's just trying to speak up about something that matters to him, and yet he gets hate messages wishing him harm 
.
. It's like, they're supposed to be role models or something 
, but what about when they just want to express themselves without being judged or harassed? That's when it gets real tough 
he needs support from the Olympic committee & everyone else 2 make sure hes safe. its not about freedom of speech, its about kindness & love Chloe Kim said it so perfectly 
Gus Kenworthy is just trying to speak his mind about an issue that matters to him, and what does he get? Death threats and hurtful messages 
. And it's great that the Olympic organizations are taking athlete welfare seriously 
. We should be having respectful conversations and debates, not resorting to hurtful language or threats 
. But seriously, can't we all just get along? Love and compassion are key, especially when you're on that snowboard, Chloe! 
but receiving hate messages is just 
too much. I feel bad for him and I'm glad the BOA is offering support services 
. 
especially when it comes to social issues 
. As Chloe Kim said, love and compassion are just as important as winning gold 
️! 
but athletes are also human beings with feelings and emotions 