- Fans have thrown their support behind Raygun
- The breakdancer revealed trolling has been ‘pretty devastating’
- But she has been told by fans to ‘ignore the haters’
Fans have come out in force to throw their support behind Rachael Gunn after she opened up on the mental toll of the past week.
Gunn, 36, better known by her stage name Raygun, became an overnight sensation at the Olympic Games in Paris after her breakdancing performance fell flat with the judges.
What followed was an onslaught of social media abuse, with the public mocking the Australian university lecturer for her unique moves – which included her hopping like a kangaroo and writhing on the floor.
In a heartfelt message posted to her Instagram page, Raygun admitted that the online abuse has been ‘pretty devastating’.
‘I didn’t realise that that would also open the door to so much hate which has frankly been pretty devastating.
She also asked people to stop ‘harassing’ her and her friends and family, and to ‘respect their privacy’.
And while some opted to respond with negative comments, which Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to publish, swathes of fans rallied behind the university lecturer.
‘Hope your mental health is doing well,’ one Instagram follower said. ‘Take care of yourself first, much love.’
Fans have rallied behind Rachael Gunn following her first public message since the Olympics
Rachael Gunn said that online abuse aimed at her has been ‘pretty devastating’
‘Ignore the haters, you are amazing,’ said another fan. ‘Be very proud. You’re a true fun loving Aussie. Right up there with Steven Bradbury as a sporting legend. Never to be forgotten.’
‘I stand with you Rachael,’ said a third follower. ‘You already know.’
A fourth fan wrote: ‘You’re an icon. Have a good break!’
Another fan posed a comment to the trolls: ‘She gave us all a laugh, why the hatred?’
Raygun’s statement also addressed the conspiracy theories that have erupted online regarding her performance, with some suggesting that she entered as part of a ‘social experiment’.
Almost 50,000 people have also signed a change.org petition calling for ‘immediate accountability and transparency in the recent actions’ of 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 to her own advantage’ so she could be chosen above more talented Aussie female breakers – an allegation described as ‘raising serious questions about the fairness and integrity of the process’.
No evidence has been provided to back up 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 factual basis’.
‘In regards to the allegations and misinformation floating around, I’d like to ask everyone to please refer to the recent statement made by the AOC as well as the posts on the Ausbreaking Instagram page as well as the WDSF breaking for gold page,’ Raygun said.