Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee recently opened up about the negativity she has faced from her Hmong-American community due to her interracial relationship with Jaylin Smith, a football player at the University of Southern California.
The Backlash Suni Lee Faces
Suni Lee, the 18-year-old gymnast who captured hearts worldwide with her performance at the Tokyo Olympics, has shared that she is receiving negative comments because of her relationship with Jaylin Smith. The gymnast responded to a supportive Dec. 30 TikTok video, highlighting the backlash she faces.
The video, posted by user alixphom, showed support for the couple, with a caption reading, “I know that Sunisa will be judged by certain eyes in the Hmong Community because her man is Black. LOVE is LOVE, no matter what race or gender you are. Keep doing you QUEEN.”
Social Media Reaction
The former Dancing with the Stars competitor expressed her frustration in the comment section, saying, “I’ve received so much hate😠they support me when it’s beneficial for them never when it comes to my happiness. thank you!💗” Lee’s relationship with Smith became public last month when she posted a series of photos on Instagram, captioned with a heart emoji.
A Role Model for Many
Suni Lee made headlines last year by becoming the first Asian-American female gymnast to win the Olympic all-around competition. She has been vocal about the significance of her achievements for the Hmong community, saying, “Just be an inspiration to other Hmong people [means] a lot to me too.”
The Pepper Spray Incident
Lee has also spoken about a racist attack she experienced last year. While out with friends, Lee and her group were targeted by passengers in a passing car who yelled racist slurs and sprayed her with pepper spray. “I was so mad, but there was nothing I could do or control because they skirted off,” Lee said, highlighting the helplessness she felt during the incident.
Conclusion
Sunisa Lee’s experiences shed light on the challenges faced by individuals in interracial relationships and the broader issues of racism and discrimination. Despite the backlash, Lee continues to inspire many with her resilience and achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What backlash has Suni Lee faced due to her relationship with Jaylin Smith?
Suni Lee has received negative comments from her Hmong-American community because of her interracial relationship with Jaylin Smith, who is Black.
2. How did Suni Lee respond to the backlash on social media?
Lee expressed her frustration in a comment on TikTok, stating that she has received much hate and that her community supports her only when it benefits them, not when it comes to her happiness.
3. What is significant about Suni Lee’s Olympic achievement?
Suni Lee became the first Asian-American female gymnast to win the Olympic all-around competition, marking a significant milestone for her and the Hmong community.
4. What happened during the pepper spray incident involving Suni Lee?
While out with friends, Lee and her group were targeted by passengers in a passing car who yelled racist slurs and sprayed her with pepper spray. Lee felt helpless during the incident as the car sped away.
5. How has Suni Lee’s relationship with Jaylin Smith been received publicly?
While many have shown support for the couple, Suni Lee has also faced significant backlash from her own community, reflecting broader issues of racism and discrimination.
