It looks like Johnny Weir just found himself inserting his foot ice skate in his mouth!
The now retired Olympian made his way to Columbia University to talk a little bit about the upcoming Olympics in Sochi. However, a LGBT group known as Queer Nation protested the event due to his strong belief that athletes should participate in the winter games despite Russia’s anti-gay legislation!
Well Johnny was NOT happy about the picketers and at one point referred to them as “idiots” during the Q&A segment! The former ice skater realized that probably wasn’t the best reaction and issued an apology, explaining:
“My stance of being pro-athlete before being pro-gay has ruffled so many feathers and it becomes difficult to speak publicly because of this fight. As a non-confrontational person, I take it very hard (obviously) when I offend people or they feel the need to tell me that I am awful. Many activists also believe that change starts with a revolution, a term that terrifies me. I am not against activism in any way, but I don├óΓé¼Γäót have the strength of character to not only revolutionize my life on a daily basis but also the lives of others.”
He went on to say:
“I have put my foot in my mouth before, and I probably will many times over, but it doesn├óΓé¼Γäót change the fact that I stooped to fighting by slinging insults rather than being proud of my own voice and achievements and saying, my opinion matters too. I showed myself a lesser version of myself that night, and I├óΓé¼Γäóm glad I learned from it. People will find their own paths, they will differ from mine, and I need to show them the grace that I├óΓé¼Γäóve been granted in my own discovery.”
Obviously everyone is entitled to their opinions, and that includes both Johnny AND the protestors. But stooping to name calling is never really a good idea, especially in a subject as sensitive as gay rights!
It definitely looks like Johnny learned that the hard way!
[Image via WENN.]