Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn says the backlash to her performance at the Olympics has been “devastating”.
Gunn – who is known as B-girl Raygun – has been the subject of a social media storm since breaking’s debut at the Paris Games last week.
A petition calling for an apology from Gunn, 36, as well as from Australia’s Olympic chef de mission Anna Meares, received more than 54,000 signatures before it was taken down.
In an Instagram video,, external Gunn said she didn’t realise her appearance would “open the door to so much hate”.
On Thursday, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) chief executive Matt Carroll said the petition had “stirred up public hatred without any factual basis”, adding it was “vexatious, misleading and bullying”.
The petition said Gunn and track cyclist Meares – who is a two-time Olympic champion – should say sorry for “attempting to gaslight the public and undermining the efforts of genuine athletes”.
Change.org said the petition was “flagged for misinformation” and removed after review.
After thanking her supporters, Gunn said: “I really appreciated the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives – that’s what I hoped.
“Well, I went out there and I had fun – I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all. Truly.
“And I’m honoured to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team; to be a part of breaking’s Olympic debut.”
