Gus Kenworthy is standing by his words, even as the backlash intensifies.
The British freestyle skier, who previously competed for Team USA before switching to Team GB in 2019, revealed that he has received death threats after sharing an image protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The post, uploaded to Instagram ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, showed the phrase “FUCK ICE” written in snow using urine.
The image quickly spread online. So did the response.
“It’s Insane”
In a follow-up video, Kenworthy said his inbox filled with both support and hostility. While many praised him for speaking out, others crossed a line.
“People telling me to kill myself, threatening me, wishing they’ll get to see me blow my knee or break my neck during my event, calling me slurs … it’s insane,” he said.
Kenworthy, 34, has lived in the United States for most of his life and has long been vocal about political issues. He doubled down on his criticism of ICE, calling the agency “evil” and “terrifying,” and accusing officers of operating without accountability.
He argued that loving one’s country does not require endorsing its leadership.
“I think sometimes people forget that you can love the U.S. and be proud to be an American — I am — and still think it can be better,” he said. “Just because you love the U.S. doesn’t mean you stand with this administration. Because I don’t.”
A Call to Action
Kenworthy’s original caption went beyond protest art. He encouraged followers to contact their senators during ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding negotiations. He even provided a phone number and a sample script urging lawmakers to reject funding agreements that fail to limit ICE’s authority.
“Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough,” the suggested script read in part. “We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities.”
The skier acknowledged that speaking out could invite further hostility but said silence felt worse.
“Maybe this video is just going to invite more hate,” he said. “But I think it’s important to stand up for what we believe in.”
Athletes and Activism
Kenworthy also pointed to fellow athletes who have used their platforms to address political concerns, including Hunter Hess and
He described their willingness to speak publicly as motivating.
His remarks arrive amid wider conversations about sports and civic engagement. Days before his post, a coalition of U.S. winter sports organizations announced that their hospitality hub would be renamed “The Winter House,” distancing it from the former name “The Ice House.” Organizers said the change was meant to reflect a welcoming environment tied to the season, not federal enforcement.
Kenworthy is set to compete for Team GB in Livigno. The British Olympic Association has reportedly put support systems in place to address online abuse directed at athletes.
For now, he appears unfazed by attempts to intimidate him.
The silver medalist, who came out publicly in 2015 and has remained one of the most visible LGBTQ+ athletes in winter sports, made it clear that criticism won’t quiet him.
Whether fans agree with his approach or not, Kenworthy has made one thing certain: he intends to use his platform, on and off the slopes.
