In a video posted on her official Instagram account, Gunn expressed how devastating the hatred has been following her performance.
Rachael Gunn Receives Internet Hatred After Viral Performance
Rachael Gunn, known as “Raygun” in the breakdancing world, lost all three of her preliminary round battles at Paris 2024, with a combined score of 54 to 0. Her routine quickly went viral, leading many to question how she even qualified for the Olympic Games.
Read also: Jordan Chiles Speaks Out After Losing Her Olympic Bronze Medal
In response to the criticism, the Australian Olympic Committee defended Gunn. Matt Carroll, the executive director of the committee, condemned a petition circulating on social media that demands a public apology from Gunn and Australian officials.
The petition has already garnered over 50,000 signatures. “The petition is misleading and a terrible display of harassment. This has only fueled public hatred against Gunn without any basis,” Carroll stated.
Australia just set breakdancing back 40 years #breaking #Olympics #Olympics2024 #ParisOlympics #breakdancing #raygun pic.twitter.com/i5ivX1v0Al
— michael✨ (@inluvin3days) August 9, 2024
In her Instagram video, Rachael Gunn acknowledged the unexpected wave of negativity her participation has sparked. “I never imagined that my performance would invite so much hate,” she said.
Despite the criticism, she expressed gratitude to her supporters. “I truly appreciate the positivity from thousands of people and am glad I could bring some joy into their lives. That was my goal. I went out there to have fun, but I also took it very seriously. I worked incredibly hard preparing for the Olympics and gave it my all. I’m honored to have been part of the Australian Olympic team and to have participated in breakdancing’s Olympic debut.”
Rachael Gunn also addressed the media’s portrayal of her scores, emphasizing that they have been misrepresented. “Here’s a fun fact: there aren’t actually points in breakdancing. If you want to see how the judges rated me compared to my opponents, you can check the comparison percentages on the five criteria at Olympics.com. All the results are there.”
Additionally, Gunn denied allegations that she manipulated the selection process in Australia with her spouse. “I was selected through a transparent and independent qualification and nomination process. I kindly ask the press to stop harassing my family, friends, the Australian breaking community, and the wider street dance community. Everyone has been deeply affected by this, so please respect their privacy.”
Australian Olympics break-dancer Rachael Gunn, “Raygun” responds to criticism and says the online hate she’s getting is ‘devastating’… ‘please stop’
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‘#Raygun #Raygunn #Olympics #PARIS2024 #breakdancing #breakdance #athlete pic.twitter.com/EJ2xZoBzT9— Nosy Buzzer (@NosyBuzzer) August 15, 2024
This marks the first time Rachael Gunn has publicly addressed the controversy.
