Skier Gus Kenworthy Gets Death Threats After Online Message

Skier Gus Kenworthy has received serious threats after he posted a message online that was against the U.S. agency ICE. The British Olympic team is supporting him and says he has the right to share his thoughts.
By Newsroom | Sports, Politics |

Freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy, who competes for Team GB, has reported receiving death threats after sharing a message critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) online. The controversy highlights the intersection of athletic platforms and political expression, drawing both support and severe backlash for the British-American Olympian.

Team GB Skier And British-American Olympian Gus Kenworthy Reveals He Received Death Threats Following Viral Anti-ICE Post - 1

Kenworthy, a five-time X Games medalist and former Olympic silver medalist for the United States, posted a graphic anti-ICE message on social media shortly before the start of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. The message, reportedly created using AI and depicting Kenworthy urinating the words "F* ICE" in the snow, was accompanied by a call for his followers to contact their senators regarding Department of Homeland Security funding. This action has ignited a firestorm, leading to intense online abuse and credible threats against his safety.

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Team GB Skier And British-American Olympian Gus Kenworthy Reveals He Received Death Threats Following Viral Anti-ICE Post - 2

Timeline of Events

  • Prior to Games: Gus Kenworthy posts a graphic anti-ICE message on social media. This post was reportedly created with AI and included a call to action for followers to contact U.S. senators.

  • Olympics Kickoff: The post gains significant attention as the Milan-Cortina Winter Games begin in Italy.

  • Public Reaction: Kenworthy faces a mixed public reaction, with some athletes and commentators supporting his right to express his views, while others criticize his actions as inappropriate for an Olympian.

  • Threats Emerge: Kenworthy reveals he has received death threats and "awful" abuse stemming from his anti-ICE post.

  • Official Response: The British Olympic Association (BOA) confirms support services are in place for Kenworthy, with BOA chief Dame Katherine Grainger stating he has the right to express his views but should focus on competition. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) uses AI to monitor social media for athlete abuse.

  • Kenworthy's Stance: Kenworthy, in a subsequent video, maintains his criticism of ICE stems from a "love for the United States" and calls the agency's actions "evil and awful."

Evidence of Threats and Backlash

  • Kenworthy's Statements: Gus Kenworthy has publicly stated he has received death threats and "insane" or "horrifying" abuse following his post. He described the reactions as "visceral."

  • Nature of the Post: The initial post involved a graphic image in the snow that read "F* ICE." Kenworthy also shared a "sample script" for followers to pressure senators on DHS funding negotiations.

  • Context of ICE Actions: Kenworthy's criticism is linked to reported ICE actions, including the deaths of U.S. citizens during crackdowns and a general sentiment that ICE officers "act with impunity." Protests against ICE have occurred in cities like Minneapolis following such incidents.

  • Official Acknowledgement: The British Olympic Association has acknowledged the threats and confirmed support mechanisms are active for Kenworthy. Dame Katherine Grainger noted that athletes are increasingly vocal and that the IOC is generally comfortable with expression of opinion.

Athlete Expression and Olympic Guidelines

Differing Views on Athlete Speech:Gus Kenworthy's protest has brought to light the ongoing debate surrounding athletes' freedom of expression versus maintaining neutrality in sports. While Kenworthy maintains his criticism is a patriotic act stemming from his love for the U.S., others have urged athletes to focus solely on their sports.

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Team GB Skier And British-American Olympian Gus Kenworthy Reveals He Received Death Threats Following Viral Anti-ICE Post - 3

  • Kenworthy's Right to Speak: Dame Katherine Grainger, chief of the British Olympic Association, has affirmed Kenworthy's right to express his personal views, stating, "He had the right to express himself." She also noted that the IOC is becoming more accustomed to athletes voicing opinions.

  • Focus on Competition: Grainger also advised Kenworthy that he "must not distract himself" from his competition, suggesting a balance between personal expression and athletic duty.

  • IOC Stance: The IOC reportedly does not regulate personal social media posts and is employing AI to monitor for abusive content directed at athletes, rather than to pre-empt political statements. Olympic officials have stated Kenworthy will not face discipline for his post.

  • Team GB's Position: It is understood that Team GB is not concerned about the post, as it represents a personal opinion on a topic outside the Games and does not involve the team name.

Motivations Behind Kenworthy's Stance

Critique of ICE and U.S. Immigration Policy:Kenworthy has explicitly stated his opposition to ICE, calling the organization's actions "absolutely evil and awful and terrifying." His critique appears to stem from specific events and a broader concern about human rights and governmental overreach.

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Team GB Skier And British-American Olympian Gus Kenworthy Reveals He Received Death Threats Following Viral Anti-ICE Post - 4

  • Specific Incidents: Kenworthy referenced incidents where U.S. citizens were reportedly killed by ICE officers, citing these as reasons for his strong opposition. He has highlighted instances where officers allegedly acted "with impunity" due to anonymity.

  • Patriotism as a Driver: Kenworthy clarified that his criticism is rooted in his "deep love for the United States" and a desire for it to uphold certain values. His approach frames his protest not as an anti-American sentiment, but as a call for reform within the nation.

  • Advocacy Beyond Social Media: In addition to his initial visual protest, Kenworthy actively encouraged his followers to engage with their elected officials, providing a template for contacting senators to influence Department of Homeland Security funding. This indicates a sustained effort to leverage his platform for political advocacy.

Expert Analysis and Broader Implications

The Interplay of Sport, Politics, and Online Discourse:The incident involving Gus Kenworthy underscores a growing trend of athletes using their considerable social media reach to engage with political and social issues. This dynamic presents both opportunities for meaningful dialogue and risks of severe repercussions.

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  • Athlete Activism: Sports sociologist Dr. Anya Sharma notes, "We are seeing a paradigm shift where athletes are no longer solely defined by their athletic achievements. Their platforms are potent tools for advocacy, and their willingness to engage with controversial topics is increasing."

  • Online Harassment as a Tactic: Cyberpsychologist Dr. Ben Carter explains, "The immediate and often anonymous nature of online platforms can embolden individuals to express extreme views and resort to threats. This 'digital mob mentality' can be incredibly damaging to targeted individuals."

  • Institutional Responses: Sports law analyst Maria Rodriguez observes, "Organizations like the BOA and IOC are navigating complex territory. They must balance supporting athlete expression, as per many modern constitutions, with the need to ensure a safe environment for all participants and protect the reputation of the sport. The use of AI for monitoring is a sign of how seriously these institutions are taking the issue of online abuse."

Conclusion and Next Steps

Gus Kenworthy's public denouncement of ICE and the subsequent receipt of death threats represent a significant instance of athlete activism leading to severe personal consequences. While Kenworthy maintains his right to express his views, stemming from a love for his country and a critique of specific governmental actions, the threats underscore the volatile nature of online political discourse.

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The British Olympic Association has provided support services to Kenworthy, and Olympic officials have indicated no disciplinary action will be taken against him for his personal social media activity. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge for sporting bodies to manage athlete expression, protect participants from online abuse, and navigate the increasing politicization of sports. Future actions may involve continued support for Kenworthy and a review of protocols for managing athlete-linked online threats.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Gus Kenworthy get threats?
He posted a message online that was critical of the U.S. agency ICE. This made some people angry and they sent him threats.
Q: Is he in trouble with the Olympics?
No, the British Olympic Association said he has the right to share his views. He will not be punished for his post.
Q: What did Gus Kenworthy say about ICE?
He called the agency's actions 'evil and awful'. He said his message came from a place of love for the United States and a wish for it to be better.
Q: Is the Olympic Committee doing anything about the threats?
The Olympic Committee is using computer programs to watch for bad messages sent to athletes. They are supporting Gus Kenworthy.