Gus Kenworthy, the American freestyle skier, has said he has no regrets over a social media post criticising US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite receiving death threats and homophobic abuse. Kenworthy, who is openly gay, finished ninth in the freestyle halfpipe final on Friday.
The skier posted a message on Instagram earlier this week condemning the treatment of migrant children at the US-Mexico border, which prompted a wave of online abuse. In an interview, Kenworthy said he was prepared for the backlash but felt it was important to speak out.
“I knew I would get some hate, but I didn't expect death threats,” he said. “It's been really hard, but I don't regret it. I think it's important to use my platform to stand up for what I believe in.”
Kenworthy, who won a silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, said he was particularly disappointed by the homophobic nature of some of the abuse. “It's 2019, and we're still dealing with this kind of language,” he said. “It's sad.”
The skier said he had received support from fans and fellow athletes, and that he would continue to speak out on social issues. “I'm not going to be silenced by bullies,” he said.
