Gus Kenworthy has disclosed that he received homophobic abuse and was told to take his own life following his controversial demonstration against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The British freestyle skier, who claimed Olympic silver in 2014 whilst representing the United States before joining Team GB seven years ago, provoked fury across social media last week after photographing himself urinating the words “f*** ICE” into snow and sharing the image online.
The openly gay athlete also revealed through Instagram that he had participated in booing directed at US Vice President JD Vance during the opening ceremony last Friday.
Kenworthy has now addressed the fierce backlash through a video message, highlighting the torrent of hostile responses his protest generated.
In his video message, Kenworthy explained that while the majority of responses had been supportive, with people thanking him for using his platform, many others were deeply disturbing.
“People telling me to kill myself, threatening me, wishing that they’ll get to see me blow my knee or break my neck during my event, calling me slurs. It’s insane,” he said.
The skier shared screenshots of the homophobic messages he had received.
Gus Kenworthy has disclosed that he received homophobic abuse and was told to take his own life following his controversial demonstration against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
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Despite acknowledging this might be “the price you pay for speaking up,” Kenworthy maintained his stance, stating: “I think it’s important to say what we feel and stand up for what we believe in and stand up to injustice.”
He added that watching fellow athletes voice their concerns had made him proud.
Kenworthy elaborated on his protest by describing ICE as “absolutely evil” in the wake of two deaths in Minneapolis.
ICE Agents are controversial figures in the United States, with protests taking place over their actions
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REUTERS“There have been US citizens that have been murdered in the street, executed in the street. And the officers are essentially acting with like impunity because their identities are covered,” he stated.
The athlete accused the agency of targeting people based on race, detaining individuals in unmarked vehicles without warrants or probable cause, and denying them due process.
He emphasised that patriotism and criticism of government policy are not mutually exclusive: “You can love the US and be proud to be an American.
“I am. And still think it can be better.”
Kenworthy argued that most people being targeted are law-abiding individuals seeking better opportunities, which he described as the foundational American story.
Athlete activism has emerged as a recurring theme at these Games.
Gus Kenworthy posted a picture of his message in the snow on social media
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INSTAGRAMAmerican freestyle skier Hunter Hess, 27, expressed ambivalence about representing his country, saying: “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US.”
President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, branding Hess a “loser” and suggesting he should not compete for America if he opposes the administration.
Two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin also weighed in, invoking Nelson Mandela to express hope that people might flourish regardless of race, religion, gender or other social distinctions.
Kenworthy praised both athletes for their willingness to speak out, calling their actions “inspiring and important.”
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed Kenworthy will face no disciplinary action, notwithstanding rules prohibiting political demonstrations at the Games.
