LSU basketball star Flau'jae Johnson has sparked controversy after criticising a proposal by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to erect a statue of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the Baton Rouge campus. Johnson described Kirk's views as 'racist', prompting a wave of criticism online.
Governor Landry called for the memorial on social media, stating: 'There is no better warrior for free speech than Charlie Kirk, and we must continue his legacy on every campus in America.' Kirk was shot and killed during a speech in Utah earlier this year.
Johnson responded by urging followers who support Kirk to unfollow her, writing: 'If you align yourself with or endorse his racist rhetoric and discriminatory views toward people of color, I respectfully ask that you utilize the unfollow option.'
The athlete faced accusations of 'race-baiting' from some users, with one critic calling her a 'black racist'. However, others defended her, with one person saying Kirk 'hid behind free speech to be hateful'.
LSU students also voiced opposition to the statue. Destiny Connolly told WBRZ: 'I don't think that's very smart. It's going to be vandalised. He never came here.'
LSU has not commented on the proposal. Johnson, whose father was also a victim of gun violence, is both a basketball player and a recording artist with three albums.
