Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, also known as B-Girl Raygun, has spoken out about the intense backlash she faced following her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gunn took part in breakdancing’s debut at the Games but failed to win any of her events, sparking a wave of criticism and negative attention online.
In an Instagram video, Gunn expressed her surprise and disappointment at the hate she received, explaining that it had been emotionally devastating for her. Despite her best efforts in preparing for the competition, Gunn was criticized for her performance, which some viewers found to be lacking.
“I really appreciate the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives. That’s what I hoped. I didn’t realize that it would also open the door to so much hate, which was quite devastating, to be honest,” Gunn said. “But I went out there and had fun. I took it very seriously. I worked my ass off preparing for the Olympics and really gave it my all.”
Gunn also addressed the widespread accusations and misinformation circulating online, including claims that she and her husband rigged the selection process to secure her a spot on the Australian Olympic team. These allegations have fueled public outrage and led to a petition on Change.org demanding an apology from Gunn and other officials.
The petition garnered over 54,000 signatures before it was removed for spreading misinformation. In response, Gunn urged people to refer to the official statements from the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and other relevant bodies confirming that her selection was carried out transparently and fairly.
Gunn responds to misinformation
Gunn asked for privacy for herself, her family and the Australian breakdancing community in general, as the controversy has deeply affected her. Despite the negative reaction, Gunn said she was proud to be competing in the Olympics and to have the opportunity to represent Australia in the sport’s inaugural event.
“I would really like to ask the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breakdancing community and the wider street dance community. Everyone has been through a lot because of this, so I ask that you please respect their privacy,” she said.
AOC Executive Director Matt Carroll also condemned the false allegations against Gunn and called the petition misleading and defamatory.
“It is disgraceful that these falsehoods, fabricated by an anonymous individual, can be published in this way,” Carroll said in a statement. “This is bullying and harassment and defamatory. We demand that this be removed from the website immediately. No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympics should be treated in this manner.”
Gunn said she wanted to take some time off to recover from the emotional toll of the ordeal and hoped the media would respect her privacy during that time.
