American figure skater Amber Glenn, who recently made history as the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic figure skating, has disclosed that she received a "scary amount of hate and threats" following comments she made about former President Donald Trump's treatment of the LGBTQ community. The backlash occurred after Glenn spoke at a press conference ahead of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where she expressed solidarity with the community during what she described as a difficult period.
Olympic Champion Takes Stand on Social Issues
Glenn, who contributed to the U.S. team's gold medal victory in the figure skating team event on Sunday, used her platform to address the challenges faced by LGBTQ Americans. During the press conference last week, she told reporters that it had been "a hard time" for the community and emphasized her desire to "encourage people to stay strong." She vowed to continue using her voice to speak up on important matters, highlighting the significance of freedom of speech in the United States.
Backlash and Social Media Response
On Saturday, Glenn took to Instagram to address the intense backlash she received. In an Instagram story, she wrote: "When I chose to utilize one of the amazing things about the United States of America—freedom of speech—to convey how I feel as an athlete competing for Team USA in a troubling time for many Americans, I am now receiving a scary amount of hate and threats for simply using my voice when asked about how I feel." This statement underscores the personal toll that public discourse can take on athletes who engage in social and political issues.
Broader Context of Athlete Experiences
Glenn's experience is not isolated, as several athletes have reported mixed emotions about representing the United States in international competitions this year. For instance, American skier Hunter Hess faced criticism from Trump, who labeled him a "real loser," illustrating the polarized environment that athletes sometimes navigate. These incidents highlight the increasing intersection of sports, politics, and personal identity in the public sphere.
In response to the harassment, Glenn announced that she will be taking a break from social media to focus on her well-being. This decision reflects a growing trend among public figures who step back from online platforms to protect their mental health amid controversy. As the Olympic champion steps away temporarily, her courage in speaking out continues to resonate with supporters and advocates for LGBTQ rights worldwide.
