Aimee Walker
President Biden has defended Olympian Gwen Berry and her right to ‘peacefully protest,’ after she turned away from the American flag during the national anthem at the Olympic trials.
During a press briefing, Biden’s White House representative, Jen Psaki, said she believes he would be understanding of the sportswoman’s actions.
She said: ‘I know [Biden] is incredibly proud to be an American and has great respect for the anthem and all that it represents.
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“He would also say that part of that pride in our country means recognising that there are moments where we, as a county, haven’t lived up to our highest ideals and means respecting the right of people granted in the Constitution to peacefully protest.”
It’s previously been stated by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee that athletes competing in trials have permission to take part in ‘respectful demonstrations’ that cover issues such as racism and social justice.
Despite the fact Berry has been backed by the President, the 32-year-old’s move has been dubbed ‘disrespectful’ by many.
Senator Tom Cotton told Fox News: “If Ms Berry is so embarrassed by America, then there’s no reason she needs to compete for our country. She should be removed from the Olympic team.”
Berry has also been branded an ‘attention-seeking brat’ by outspoken TV presenter and journalist, Piers Morgan.
He fumed: “She was on the podium, having come third, when the American national anthem began place. Normally, this would be a moment of great pride and tearful joy for an Olympian. But not Ms Berry. Oh no.
“This was clearly one of the worst moments of her life.
“She preened, she sulked, she sighed, she frowned and she eye-rolled in one of the most pathetic tantrums I’ve ever seen from anyone supposedly representing their country.”
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