Gus Kenworthy, a freestyle skier representing Britain at the Olympics, has found himself at the center of controversy after posting a provocative image on Instagram. The image, created by urinating in the snow, spelled out 'fuck ICE', a reference to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which has come under fire for its actions, including a recent incident where two individuals were killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis. With this post, Kenworthy aimed to bring attention to the escalating violence and lack of accountability surrounding ICE's operations.

In conjunction with the image, Kenworthy shared a lengthy caption expressing his horror at the ongoing violence perpetrated by ICE, emphasizing that innocent lives have been lost and calling for urgent action to stop these abuses of power. His message resonated with many who share his sentiments regarding immigration policies and the treatment of individuals by enforcement agencies. However, the stark imagery and his bold statement sparked significant backlash, highlighting the divisive nature of immigration discourse in the U.S.

Shortly after posting the image, Kenworthy revealed that he received an overwhelming number of messages, many of which were threatening in nature. The backlash included direct threats to his safety, with some individuals urging him to harm himself. This reaction underscores the polarizing opinions surrounding ICE and the broader immigration debate, as well as the personal risks faced by public figures who take a stand on contentious issues.