US Skier Hunter Hess Faces Right-Wing Backlash for His “Woke” Anti-ICE Stance in Winter Olympics

Hunter Hess is scheduled to take part in the freestyle skiing - men’s halfpipe on February 19 (qualification) at Livigno Snow Park, Valtellina.

US Skier Hunter Hess Faces Right-Wing Backlash for His “Woke” Anti-ICE Stance in Winter Olympics

Hunter Hess (Image via Getty Images)

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The Oregon-native freestyle skier, Hunter Hess, is now facing a backlash from right-wing groups and individuals for his remarks about the ongoing unrest in the country against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In his press conference ahead of the opening ceremony, Hess condemned the activities of the enforcement agency.

The 2024 and 2025 bronze medalist at the Winter X Games addressed the issue, stating that while he’s proud to wear the flag, he didn’t feel the same about the happenings in his home country. As of early February, at least eight people have died in ICE custody or interactions with agents.

It’s a little difficult. Obviously, there are a lot of things going on that I’m not the biggest fan of… Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.

Hunter Hess commented

Earlier, his teammate, Christopher Lillis, admitted that while he would never want to represent any other country, he’s heartbroken about current affairs in the USA. Team GB’s British-American skier Gus Kenworthy, who’s living in the USA, also called out ICE with a graphic post on Instagram. He reportedly urinated the words, “f**k ice,” on the Dolomite slopes and penned a note calling American citizens to write and call their senators and urge them to take action to stop ICE and Border Patrol.

The presence of ICE agents in Milan to assist the Department of Homeland Security in monitoring crime has forced local people to take to the streets. There have been multiple demonstrations in the streets of Milan, asking the enforcement agency to leave the “capital morale”. Furthermore, the US president, JD Vance, was booed by the attendees at San Siro Stadium when they appeared on the screen.

Donald Trump, right-wing groups, politicians want Hunter Hess to relinquish his Olympic spot amid his woke comments

In light of Hunter Hess’s remarks, the former US ice hockey captain, Mike Eruzione, lashed out at the skier. Eruzione, who scored the famous Miracle on Ice winning goal, commented that Hess didn’t get the patriotic value of wearing his country’s colors.

Hunter Hess in his element
Hunter Hess in his element (Image via @peakperformance on Instagram)

The emotion was echoed by a sizable number of right-wing supporters, including former NFL quarterback Brett Favre and YouTuber Jake Paul. The right-wing media claimed that Hess’ statements were anti-national and woke. Bennet Johnson, a controversial conservative media personality, termed Hess’ comments as “woke virtue signaling.”

Donald Trump, the sitting US president, also took a shot at the skier for voicing his thoughts on the political situation in the country. Though Hess primarily focused on ICE, his words also implied a lack of action to hold the names included in the Epstein Files accountable.

Meanwhile, a majority of individuals have defended Hess and commented on the images of Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists clad in black gloves during a medal ceremony. Smith and Carlos faced intense scrutiny during that time, including ostracisation from the American sports establishment and strong sanctions. However, their actions shed light on the racial inequality in the country at the time.

Despite increased rights and legal gains, Black Americans faced severe racism. Smith and Carlos’ stance during the 1968 Olympics is lauded as one of the highly influential acts of sports activism.

They also chided the right-wing supporters and explained that Hess represents USA and not the government in power. The anti-Trump users took a shot at Trump’s statements while highlighting the Epstein Files and his previous statements on free speech.

Hunter Hess will take the slopes on February 19 for the freestyle skiing, men’s halfpipe qualification at Livigno Snow Park. The finals will take place the next day for the top 12 athletes from the qualification.

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