Olympic Skier Gus Kenworthy Faces Violent Backlash After Anti-ICE Instagram Post
Freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy disclosed on Sunday that he has received disturbing threats urging him to kill himself or break his neck while competing at the Winter Olympics. This alarming response came after he posted a message on Instagram criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Viral Instagram Post Sparks Controversy
The Instagram post, which encouraged fellow objectors to contact their senators as Democrats negotiate reforms to enforcement procedures ahead of a potential Department of Homeland Security shutdown, gained significant attention. However, it likely went viral for another reason entirely.
Kenworthy revealed on Instagram that the message written in the snow, which read "fuck ice," was created using urine. This unconventional method of protest added a provocative layer to his political statement, though it would require considerable skill to execute.
Mixed Reactions and Personal Reflections
In a follow-up Instagram video, Kenworthy shared that while he has received many encouraging responses, he has also faced plenty of "awful" ones. "Maybe that's the price you pay for speaking up and using your platform," he reflected, emphasizing the importance of standing up to injustice.
Kenworthy recounted his personal background, noting that he was born in England to a British mother but grew up in the United States, where he won a silver medal at the 2014 Olympics. He now competes for Great Britain while continuing to reside in America.
"You can love the U.S. and be proud to be an American ― I am ― and still think it can be better," he stated, highlighting his nuanced perspective on patriotism and criticism.
Political Stance and Immigration Advocacy
Currently competing in the freeski halfpipe at the Milan Cortina Games, Kenworthy reiterated his opposition to the current administration and described ICE as "evil and awful and terrifying." He argued that the majority of immigrants targeted in DHS raids are nonviolent individuals seeking better lives.
"That is literally the foundation story of the U.S.," he remarked. "I think people forget that." His comments underscore a broader debate about immigration policy and the role of athletes in political discourse.
