Raygun's Olympic Journey: From Breakdancer to Battling Backlash – The Shocking Social Media Storm

Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as B-girl Raygun, has opened up about the "devastating" backlash she faced after her performance at the Paris Olympics

P24 News Media

August 17, 2024

1 minute

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Australia

Australian Breakdancer Faces Intense Online Criticism After Olympic Debut

Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as B-girl Raygun, has opened up about the "devastating" backlash she faced after her performance at the Paris Olympics. Despite giving her all in breaking’s Olympic debut, Gunn became the target of a social media storm, with critics questioning her place on the team.

Social Media Storm and Petition Controversy

The controversy intensified when a petition calling for apologies from Gunn and Australia’s Olympic chef de mission, Anna Meares, garnered over 54,000 signatures before being taken down. The petition accused them of "gaslighting the public" and undermining "genuine athletes," a claim strongly refuted by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

Raygun Responds to the Hate

In a heartfelt Instagram video, Gunn expressed her shock at the intense criticism, saying she never expected her Olympic journey to "open the door to so much hate." She thanked her supporters for their positivity and assured them that she had put her heart and soul into preparing for the Olympics.

AOC Defends Gunn

Matt Carroll, AOC’s chief executive, condemned the petition as "vexatious, misleading, and bullying," asserting that it stirred up public hatred without any factual basis. He clarified that Gunn was selected through a "transparent and independent qualification event and nomination process," urging critics to stop spreading misinformation.

Calls for Privacy and Respect

Gunn also appealed to the press and public to respect the privacy of her family, friends, and the street dance community, all of whom have been affected by the fallout. She emphasized the importance of privacy, asking for an end to the harassment they have endured.

Support from the Breaking Community

Paris breaking head judge MGbility and Sergey Nifontov of the World DanceSport Federation have both come out in support of Raygun, standing by her amid the wave of criticism. Despite losing all three of her round-robin battles, Gunn remains proud of her Olympic experience and contribution to the debut of breaking on the global stage.