Gus Kenworthy faces homophobic abuse after anti‑ICE protest goes viral
British‑American freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy has revealed he has been subjected to a wave of “awful” online abuse – including homophobic slurs and death threats – after sharing a graphic anti‑ICE message ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 34‑year‑old, who is competing for Team GB in Milano‑Cortina, sparked controversy after posting an image on Instagram expressing his opposition to the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The message, written in the snow in bright yellow, delivered a blunt “F*** ICE”, and quickly spread across social media.
In a video posted shortly afterwards, Kenworthy explained that he felt compelled to speak out about ICE’s conduct in the wake of public anger over fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. He said he wanted to use his platform to “stand up for what we believe in”, adding that as someone who has lived in the US for most of his life, he deeply cares about the country and its politics.
However, the skier said the backlash escalated rapidly. While noting that many messages were supportive, he also shared that a significant number were abusive, including threats wishing he would “blow [his] knee or break [his] neck” during competition, as well as explicit homophobic insults. One message read: “Hope you wipe out and get stretchered out soy boy,” while others included slurs targeting his sexuality.
Kenworthy, who has long been outspoken on LGBTQ+ issues, posted screenshots documenting the hostility. He described the abuse as “insane”, highlighting the intensity of the vitriol directed at him simply for criticising a government agency.
Despite the threats, Kenworthy stood by his criticism of ICE, urging his followers to contact US senators and demand limits on the agency’s powers during ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding negotiations. His call forms part of a broader wave of protest surrounding ICE’s conduct, both in the US and among athletes preparing to compete in Milan.
Kenworthy is set to compete in the men’s snowboard halfpipe for Great Britain, having switched allegiance from Team USA in 2019. The skier previously won a silver medal for the US in Sochi 2014.
Comments ()