British freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy has publicly disclosed that he has been subjected to a barrage of threats and abusive messages in response to a recent social media post criticising the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, commonly known as ICE. The Winter Olympian, who was born in Chelmsford but has resided in the US for the majority of his life, shared his distressing experience in a video posted late on Sunday.
Controversial Instagram Post Sparks Backlash
Last week, Kenworthy uploaded an image to his Instagram account that featured the words 'fuck ICE' apparently urinated into the snow. This provocative act was intended as a protest against the agency's policies and actions. The 34-year-old athlete explained that the photo rapidly gained widespread attention, circulating across various platforms and eliciting a significant volume of feedback from the public.
Mixed Reactions and Hostile Threats
In his video statement, Kenworthy acknowledged that many of the responses he received were supportive and encouraging, reflecting a degree of public solidarity with his stance. However, he emphasised that a substantial portion of the messages were deeply troubling and malicious. The skier detailed how individuals have directed vile insults at him, issued death threats, and even expressed hopes that he would suffer severe injuries during his sporting events.
'People telling me to kill myself, threatening me, wishing they’ll get to see me blow my knee or break my neck during my event, calling me slurs … it’s insane,' Kenworthy recounted, highlighting the extreme nature of the hostility he has faced. This situation underscores the intense polarisation surrounding immigration issues and the potential dangers public figures can encounter when voicing contentious political opinions.
Broader Implications for Athletes and Activism
The incident raises important questions about the intersection of sports, personal expression, and online safety. As a prominent athlete representing Team GB and competing in international events like the Winter Olympics, Kenworthy's experience illustrates the risks associated with using one's platform for activism. The threats he has received not only pose a personal risk but also contribute to a chilling effect on free speech within the sporting community.
This episode occurs against the backdrop of ongoing debates about immigration enforcement in the United States and the role of athletes in social and political discourse. Kenworthy's case may prompt further discussions on how sporting bodies and social media platforms can better protect individuals from harassment while respecting their right to express views on critical issues.
