Published16. August 2024, 15:13
JO-2024: Breakout star Raygun deplores the torrent of hatred towards her
Following the outpouring of mockery and insults after her performance, the Australian, moved, posted a video.
Raygun facing the American Logistx, during their duel
AFP
Australian breakdancer Raygun has spoken out against the “pretty devastating” hate that has been unleashed on her online since her widely criticised performance at the Paris Olympics.
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, 36, a lecturer at the University of Sydney, was ridiculed by some and cheered by others for her unique performance in Paris, where she failed to win any of her three head-to-head matches with other B-Girls.
While she thanked her supporters and said she was happy to bring them some joy, in a video posted Thursday from Brussels on her Instagram account, “I didn’t realize that it would also open the door to so much hate, which was honestly quite devastating,” she also lamented. “I worked really hard to prepare for the Olympics and I gave it my all, really,” she assured.
Raygun’s moves, including her kangaroo imitation, and her Australian-themed tracksuit have been parodied around the world, including by American television host Jimmy Fallon. She has been the subject of much more virulent criticism and mockery online, questioning the selection process.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) on Thursday denounced a “vexatious, misleading and intimidating” petition launched on Change.org. “Regarding the allegations and misinformation that are circulating, I would like to ask everyone to refer to the recent statement from the AOC,” Gunn said in her video.
The petition, which has collected tens of thousands of signatures demanding a public apology from the dancer, was no longer available on the platform on Friday.
“Stop harassing me”
While she has decided to stay in Europe for a while, Raygun has asked the media to “stop harassing” her family, friends and the breakdancing community. “Everyone has suffered a lot because of this, so I ask that you respect their privacy,” she said, promising to answer further questions when she returns to Australia, where she has received support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Breakdancing will not be on the programme for the next Olympic Games, which will be held in Los Angeles in four years.
(afp)
