Olympic snowboarder Shaun White is attempting to thaw an icy public response after he dragged the US Flag in the snow and stepping on it during his Olympic performance.
White, who has once again won the Gold Medal for the United States, drew criticism after his dramatic victory when he allowed the flag to touch the ground and stepped on it.
White is also under scrutiny as allegations of sexual harassment against hime have resurfaced. During a post-event press conference he referred to the claims as “gossip,” for which he also apologized. According to Slate.com, White settled with his accuser for an undisclosed amount.
He apologized on Wednesday, claiming he did not know the flag was touching the ground.
“I remember being handed the flag but I was trying to put my gloves on and hold the flag and get board,” he said in a press conference. “Honestly, if there was anything, I definitely didn’t mean any disrespect.”
White appeared apologetic, stating that he was proud to represent the USA.
“The flag that’s flying on my house right now is way up there. So sorry for that,” White said. “But I’m definitely proud -very proud- to be a part of Team USA and being an American and to be representing for everyone back home.”
According to NBC New York, White drew criticism on social media after the flag incident, with particularly harsh tweets surfacing out of Twitter.
White secure the 100th gold medal for the United States in the Winter Olympics, which were held in South Korea.
So it’s ok to drag and step on the #usa #flag if your an Olympian like #ShaunWhite – but seriously #GOAT pic.twitter.com/oxCQwj7bc5
— Nathan Lewalski (@tridetroit) February 14, 2018
Spoiled kid, amazing run, gold medal, drags his country’s flag across ground and steps all over it. #ShaunWhite #jackass pic.twitter.com/HgK5K24FR3
— Rob Lawson (@Robbo_Law) February 14, 2018
I cringed when they basically tossed the flag at him, could see it coming. But cringe is the most I did. These flags are respected by the gold medal winners. No disrespect intended. As a veteran, I say, AWESOME final run, #ShaunWhite!
— Aunt Tritsy (@AuntTritsy) February 14, 2018
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