Gwen Berry Responds to Backlash after Anthem Snub: 'It Doesn’t Speak for Me'
'People in American rally patriotism over basic morality'
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Olympic hammer thrower Gwen Berry has responded to the backlash after she turned away from the American flag during the playing of the National Anthem.
Berry made the unpatriotic move after qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics and adds to the growing number of sportspeople who are caving to left-wing activism.
Berry, who finished third at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Oregon, whipped out a back t-shirt with the words “Activist Athlete” as she covered her face.
Responding to critics, Berry wrote on Twitter:
“These comments really show that: 1.) people in American rally patriotism over basic morality. 2.) Even after the murder of George Floyd and so many others; the commercials, statements, and phony sentiments regarding black lives were just a hoax.”
These comments really show that:
— Gwen Berry OLY (@MzBerryThrows) June 28, 2021
1.) people in American rally patriotism over basic morality
2.) Even after the murder of George Floyd and so many others; the commercials, statements, and phony sentiments regarding black lives were just a hoax
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Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) later called for Berry to be removed from the U.S. Olympic team.
“We don’t need any more activist athletes. She should be removed from the team,” Crenshaw said.
WATCH:
Dan Crenshaw calls for Gwen Berry to be removed from the Olympic team because she turned away from the flag pic.twitter.com/c2xWKLXPPJ
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 28, 2021
Crenshaw added that Berry was little different than the NBA players who have spent the last few years protesting during the anthem.
"The entire point of the Olympic team is to represent the United States of America,” Crenshaw continued.
"That’s the entire point."
"OK so, you know, it’s one thing when these NBA players do it, OK fine, we’ll just stop watching."But now the Olympic team?"
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Berry claimed those that take issue with her stance on the matter are “obsessed” with her.
She then claimed critics are attempting to “put words in my mouth.”
Thank you! I never said I hated this country! People try to put words in my mouth but they can’t. That’s why I speak out. I LOVE MY PEOPLE. ✊🏾 https://t.co/fbKB5d9H2I
— Gwen Berry OLY (@MzBerryThrows) June 28, 2021
“I never said I hated this country,” Berry stated.
“People try to put words in my mouth but they can’t. That’s why I speak out. I LOVE MY PEOPLE.”
Berry also said she was “set up” with the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.
“I feel like it was a set-up, and they did it on purpose,” Berry said of the anthem being played.
“I was pissed, to be honest.”
“The anthem doesn’t speak for me,” Berry added.
"It never has. I didn’t really want to be up there. Like I said, it was a setup.
"I was hot, I was ready to take my pictures and get into some shade.”
