Olympian Lauren Gibbs slammed for selfie with Ivanka Trump
Olympic bobsledder Lauren Gibbs is exceeding at representing Team USA in PyeongChang, South Korea. Apart from winning a silver medal, Gibbs left politics aside and posed for a quick snap next to first daughter Ivanka Trump and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. However, the small gesture created polarizing views on Twitter.
It’s important to remember that we don’t have to agree on everything to get along, be civil to each other and enjoy each others company. #itsforamerica it was a pleasure to meet you both! pic.twitter.com/bEkenz3EF5
— Lauren Gibbs (@lagibbs84) February 25, 2018
The athlete diplomatically captioned the photo, “It’s important to remember that we don’t have to agree on everything to get along, be civil to each other and enjoy each others company. #itsforamerica it was a pleasure to meet you both.”
Some fans are disappointed that the Olympian posed next to Trump.
I’m sorry but they are still complicit and therefore culpable. They can appear nice in person butt get support someone who is racist and taking away rights and healthcare so don’t fall for it.
— Anna (@afidla) February 25, 2018
To which Gibbs responded, “I am not falling for anything…but being nasty to them would not solve the issue…and don’t get me wrong there are many issues.”
I am not falling for anything…but being nasty to them would not solve the issue…and don't get me wrong there are many issues
— Lauren Gibbs (@lagibbs84) February 25, 2018
But fans still expressed their strong disapproval of the photo.
You are providing comfort and support. You are clearly not someone who pays attention to government it politics, you were busy training, if you knew all the things @realDonaldTrump has done and said, even before his election you wouldn't be taking this picture.
— garth st. omer (@Garthdill) February 25, 2018
Lauren do you know what colour skin you are and know what colour skin people the Trumps don't like? Have you connected that yet or ……….
— Joe (@Joe_Munney) February 25, 2018
Ivanka couldn't barely even look at you with a straight face I wouldn't buy into it…. You are right tho
— Quenton (@KlLLmongir) February 25, 2018
Gibbs replied to the naysayers, “I am capturing the full experience of my first Olympics, they are part of it…again whether I like what they stand for or not.”
i am capturing the full experience of my first Olympics, they are part of it…again whether I like what they stand for or not.
— Lauren Gibbs (@lagibbs84) February 25, 2018
However, there were others who applauded the athlete for the selfie and congratulated her for displaying good sportsmanship.
In the current culture of hate-mongering, side-taking, and divisiveness you’re bucking the trend and taking the high road. My initial cringe at this was softened to acceptance then to admiration. Thank You! #BeTheChange #BeTheChange #BeTheChange
— Connie Haugen (@coneflower317) February 25, 2018
Don't mind them, Lauren. When people are consumed by politics, that destroys them & become just like, or worse, than the people they hate. Not a fan of the Trumps & this administration. This was, at least, a genuine moment. Go #TeamUSA !!!
— Julie #TeamUSA (@MadridFederer) February 25, 2018
In the current culture of hate-mongering, side-taking, and divisiveness you’re bucking the trend and taking the high road. My initial cringe at this was softened to acceptance then to admiration. Thank You! #BeTheChange #BeTheChange #BeTheChange
— Connie Haugen (@coneflower317) February 25, 2018
Not only did Gibbs posed for a selfie with the White House senior adviser, she also let her try on her silver medal.
Bobsleder .@lagibbs84 lets Ivanka Trump try on her silver medal. pic.twitter.com/9VElpw7MEG
— Aamer Madhani (@AamerISmad) February 25, 2018
“I feel like this almost is like trying on someone’s wedding band,” said Trump. “Am I allowed?”
“That is so cool,” Trump added.
Other Olympians have come under fire for being welcoming to Trump at the Olympics. American lugers Matt Mortensen and Taylor Morris were also criticized for sharing a selfie with Sanders and Trump by the Twitterverse.
Got to meet @IvankaTrump today with @taylormorris91 and watch some bobsled with Olympic silver medalist @lagibbs84! Good day to be on #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/RJ3pwtx2oY
— Matt Mortensen (@MMortensenUSA) February 25, 2018
And USA Bobsled teammate Nate Weber couldn’t escape the critics either.
Here's another tweet for everyone that didn't like @IvankaTrump being absolutely wonderful to my children. Her and my daughters were like best friends today. It was a truly special experience for them. #thankyou pic.twitter.com/u6hlVUJonz
— Nate Weber (@NateWeberActual) February 25, 2018
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Ivanka Trump wears tartan dress to State of the Union address
Olympian Gus Kenworthy Burns Ivanka Trump: ‘TF Is She Doing Here?’
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