Freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy sparked shock online after posting a graphic anti-ICE message, which appeared to have been created by urinating on ice. The post, shared on February 5, quickly went viral on social media, drawing intense debate about athlete activism.
Sharing the post on Instagram, Kenworthy urged people to contact their senators to oppose ICE. He also shared a format or a sample script that he said could be used.
What was the post about?
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City, State]. I’m calling to urge Senator [Name] to refuse to support any final Department of Homeland Security funding agreement that fails to meaningfully rein in ICE and Border Patrol. Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough. We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities. Senators still have leverage right now, and Senator [Name] must use it to demand real guardrails and accountability — including getting ICE and CBP out of our communities, ending blank-check funding for brutality, and establishing clear limits on warrantless arrests, profiling, and enforcement at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals,” he posted.
According to the BBC, Kenworthy will not face punishment over the post. An International Olympic Committee spokesperson told the Press Association, "During the Olympic Games, all participants have the opportunity to express their views as per the athlete expression guidelines. The IOC does not regulate personal social media posts."
Who is Gus Kenworthy?
Born in Chelmsford, England, Gus Kenworthy is an American freestyle skier and Olympic medallist.
The 34-year-old won a silver medal in ski slopestyle at the 2014 Sochi Games representing the US, before switching to Team Great Britain in 2019.
How did Social media react?
One user wrote, “Thank you for using your platform. Everyone with a platform needs to use it now.”
Another Instagram user said, “OK, anyone who has spent time peeing in the snow would tell you, this is quality snow writing.” New follower here. Thank you. I have lived on the border my entire life and have never lived in fear of "bad" immigrants. Besides, people are missing the issue. It's not about whether or not people need to be deported; it's about the unnecessary levels of force being used against non-criminal immigrants and protestors! It's about the insurmountable constitutional violations.”
One user criticised, “Should have stayed out of politics. I support even with your lifestyle, but bye.”
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