Metro Weekly

Olympic swimmer, Stephanie Rice, apologizes for using gay slur on Twitter [video]

stephanie rice

”I owe it to those who I have offended to publicly say I am sorry. I also want to say it’s just not me to cause offence to other people no matter who they are. I am not a person who judges others or speaks in a way that hurts the feelings of others. My words were careless and thoughtless…. I have also learned that some things can mean more to others than they do to you. At no time did I intend to give offence. At no point was I thinking of those who may be offended.”

Stephanie Rice, a 22-year-old Olympic medal-winning swimmer, apologizing for her recenlty posted public tweet which offended many. After an Australian rugby team beat a South African team, Rice taunted the losers with: “Suck on that faggots.” As a result, the car manufacturer Jaguar dropped Rice as a spokesperson, and apparently will also take away her $100,000(A) sports car. (Jaguar openly courts gay consumers as customers.) Several prominent gay men have commented on the matter: Swimmer Matthew Mitcham and activist Gary Burns defended her, while rugby player Ian Roberts called her an idiot, saying ”it is never acceptable to belittle gay people.” (Daily Telegraph)

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