Korbin Albert, midfielder and number 15 for the United States Women’s National Team, apologises for anti-LGBTQIA+ reposts following backlash from former teammate Megan Rapinoe.
On March 28, Albert posted an official apology on Instagram for previously liking and sharing posts that expressed hostility towards the LGBTQIA+ community.
This followed a response posted by former USWNT number 15 Megan Rapinoe, who is a longstanding champion for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Albert has made seven appearances for the USWNT and was on the roster for the SheBelieves Cup.
What happened
Albert reportedly reposted videos from Christian worship spaces that were preaching against homosexuality and “feeling transgender”.
One showed a speech being given that described God “saving” people from being gay and denounced anyone who identified as transgender, going so far as to say, “I even felt God telling me to stop taking the hormones”.
Albert had also reportedly liked a post mocking USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe’s career-ending injury in the 2023 NWSL final between Seattle Reign and Gotham.
It read, “God taking time off performing miracles to make sure Megan Rapinoe sprains her ankle in her final ever game”.
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Rapinoe responds
Rapinoe issued a statement on Instagram that directly addressed these reposts, talking to Albert herself and anyone targeted in the LGBTQIA+ community who is suffering because of hateful messages being spread.
The statement read: “For people who want to hide behind “my beliefs” I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone? ….. because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate.”
Rapinoe’s call to action is at the forefront, held by the final words “And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up!”
Rapinoe indirectly addressed Albert by signing off with “Yours Truly, #15”, the number she used to wear, and is now worn by Albert.
The statement’s support for the Transgender community is clear, with Rapinoe writing “For all my trans homie enduring this horrific treatment day in and day out I see you and hear you and I am WITH YOU”
Multiple USWNT players, both former and current, such as Lynn Williams, Ali Krieger and Becky Sauerbrunn, showed their support for Rapinoe’s words by reposting her statement on their social media.
Albert’s apology
”I’m really disappointed in myself”
Albert addressed the backlash by issuing an apology on Instagram, stating:
“I want to sincerely apologise for my actions on social media. Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent.”
Albert continues by saying, “I’m really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended. I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize.”
The apology ends with suggestions of growth moving forwards stating, “It’s an honor and a privilege to get to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better.”
The USWNT re-emphasise their support for the LGBTQIA+ community
”LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights.”
The US national team has long championed LGBTQIA+ rights and pride themselves on being a safe and inclusive space for all individuals of any identity.
The risk of jeopardising of these collective beliefs that the team represents, a space of respect and inclusivity that they have spent years building up, cannot be taken lightly.
Team Captain Lindsey Horan and veteran forward Alex Morgan have since spoken on behalf of the team at a USWNT press conference, stating that this matter is being taken very seriously and that substantial growth is needed in order to move forward.
The USWNT Players Association cemented this standpoint by issuing a statement that ended with the words, “LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights. Trans rights are human rights. Today and every day, the USWNT players will stand up for those rights.”
Featured image courtesy of Erik Drost via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. License details found here.