Olympic hammer thrower Gwen Berry claimed she was “set up” during a medal ceremony at the US Olympic trials after she turned away from the American flag while the national anthem played. Berry faced backlash for her actions, which she interpreted as a protest against systemic racism and social injustice. She believes that organizations like Black Lives Matter (BLM) and the media, specifically CNN, played a role in orchestrating the moment for sensationalism, framing it as a deliberate protest against the anthem. Berry expressed her frustration, feeling that her actions were misrepresented and manipulated to serve a narrative rather than focusing on her message about racial equality. Despite the controversy, she remains committed to advocating for social justice, asserting that her actions were about raising awareness rather than disrespecting the country. Her stance has ignited a divisive debate about athletes using their platforms for political expression, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding patriotism and protest. Berry emphasizes that her intention was not to disrespect the nation but to highlight ongoing issues faced by marginalized communities. The incident has generated significant media attention, underscoring the challenges athletes often face when navigating personal beliefs and public perceptions in the context of national pride.
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Olympic Athlete who protested anthem says she was set up by the BLM and CNN
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