- Fans have shown their support for Raygun.
- The breakdancer revealed that the bullying has been “quite devastating”
- But fans have told her to “ignore the haters.”
Fans have come out in droves to lend their support to Rachael Gunn after she spoke out about the mental toll of last week.
Gunn, 36, better known by her stage name Raygun, became an overnight sensation at the Paris Olympics after her breakdancing performance was disliked by the judges.
What followed was an avalanche of abuse on social media, with the public mocking the Australian university professor for her unique moves, which included jumping like a kangaroo and writhing on the ground.
In an emotional message posted on her Instagram page, Raygun admitted that the online abuse has been “quite devastating”.
‘I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate, which, frankly, has been pretty devastating.
She also asked people to stop “harassing” her, her friends and family, and to “respect her privacy.”
And while some chose to respond with negative comments, which Daily Mail Australia decided not to publish, large numbers of fans rallied behind the university professor.
“Hope your mental health is okay,” said one Instagram follower. “Take care of yourself first, lots of love.”
Fans have rallied to support Rachael Gunn following her first public message since the Olympics
Rachael Gunn said the online abuse directed at her has been “pretty devastating”
“Don’t listen to the haters, you’re amazing,” said another fan. “Be very proud. You’re a true fun-loving Aussie. Right up there with Steven Bradbury as a sporting legend. We’ll never forget you.”
“I’m with you, Rachael,” a third follower said. “You know that.”
A fourth fan wrote: “You are an icon. Have a good rest!”
Another fan commented on the trolls: “He made us all laugh, why the hate?”
Raygun’s statement also addressed conspiracy theories that have emerged online regarding her performance, with some suggesting she entered as part of a “social experiment.”
Nearly 50,000 people have also signed a petition on change.org calling for for “immediate accountability and transparency into recent actions” by Gunn and Paris chef de mission Anna Meares over how Gunn won selection to represent Australia in Paris.
The call to action accuses the 36-year-old of “manipulating the selection process for her own benefit” so that she could be chosen over other, more talented Australian breakout performers, an allegation described as “raising serious questions about the fairness and integrity of the process”.
No evidence has been provided to support the petition’s claims.
AOC boss Matt Carroll said the petition, which demands a public apology from Gunn and Meares, is “appalling” and has “no basis in fact.”
“Regarding the accusations and misinformation circulating, I would like to ask everyone to check out the recent statement made by AOC, as well as the posts on Ausbreaking’s Instagram page, as well as the WDSF breaking for gold page,” Raygun said.