British Olympian Gus Kenworthy Receives Death Threats for Speaking Out Against ICE

British Olympic team member Gus Kenworthy received death threats on Instagram after speaking out against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 34-year-old athlete responded by thanking those who sent the threats.

Kenworthy posted a photo on his Instagram page with a caption that included a profanity before the acronym 'ICE'. The post came a week after he announced that he would be representing Britain at the 2019 team event, having previously won a silver medal in slopestyle at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Kenworthy is currently competing in the men's snowboard halfpipe event at the Winter Olympics in Italy, which begins on February 19 in Livigno.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) stated that they take the welfare of their athletes seriously and will provide support to those who experience threats and abuse on social media.

US athletes also spoke out against ICE's actions, with Team USA representatives Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess expressing their disapproval.

Double Olympic champion Chloe Kim emphasized the importance of loving one's country and respecting the rights of its citizens.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesperson Mark Adams stated that the IOC has a good relationship with the US Olympic Committee and will help facilitate discussions on the issue.

The IOC has launched an artificial intelligence system to monitor social media for abusive posts targeting athletes during the Winter Olympics.

Kenworthy posted on his Instagram page that he is grateful for the death threats and will continue to fight for justice.