Triple Olympic champion Stephanie Rice has publicly apologised for a homophobic tweet that cost her a sponsorship deal with Jaguar. The 22-year-old Australian swimmer posted the message after Australia's rugby union victory over South Africa, prompting widespread criticism.
In a press conference in Sydney, a visibly remorseful Rice struggled to compose herself as she expressed regret. 'I owe it to those who I have offended to publicly say I am sorry,' she said. 'I am not a person who judges others or speaks in a way that hurts others.'
Rice described her comments as 'thoughtless and careless' and said she had learned a valuable lesson. 'I've learned I must think before I speak,' she added. 'I felt I've let a lot of people down.'
Gay rights groups were angered by the tweet, and former rugby league star Ian Roberts, who is gay, labelled Rice an 'idiot'. However, fellow Australian Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham, also openly gay, defended her, calling her thoughtless rather than homophobic.
