Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings has apologised to her fans and followers after facing criticism for going shopping without a mask on over the weekend.
On Sunday, the three-time Olympic volleyball gold medallist revealed on Instagram that she had gone shopping without a facial covering, which she called "a little exercise in being brave."
“I had a little exercise in being brave yesterday & I’m still a bit edgy about it,” the athlete wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. “I went shopping without a mask on & this is why… I read a quote the other day that shook me -
“THIS HAS NOT BEEN ENFORCED, IT’S BEEN CONSENTED TO.”
According to Jennings, the statement “woke” her up and led her to “obsess on the matter of how I can mindfully & compassionately stand up for my rights & for the freedoms our constitution has granted us all WITHOUT being reckless or putting anyone else in danger.”
In the post, Jennings also called the coronavirus precautions “maddening” and said that they have “crushed our society, people’s livelihoods, our children’s spirits, & the fabric of our world.
“We have become a country & a world estranged from each other & it is more deeply unhealthy than any virus could ever be,” she added.
The volleyball player continued the post encouraging her followers to live healthy lifestyles and “KNOW that your immune system is designed to support you through any illness”.
In the comments, the 42-year-old California native also said not wearing a mask was “hard” but that she does “not want to be compelled to do things I do not believe in because it makes others feel better”.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing facial coverings helps prevent wearers from spreading coronavirus to others.
Jennings' post prompted an immediate backlash on social media, where her followers called her stance “disappointing”.
“This is so disappointing,” one person wrote. “Why is wearing a mask a big deal if it protects even ONE life? We have plenty of freedom, and no one is taking it. This is about our health.”
Another said: “This is beyond disappointing Kerri. So many people look up to you, and this kind of mindset of refusing to wear a mask to save other people’s LIVES is the reason coronavirus has gotten so bad in America.
“The complete disregard for other human life is so saddening…”
On Monday, Jennings acknowledged the criticism on Instagram, where she posted an apology to those she “upset so deeply”.
“To those I’ve upset so deeply, I am sorry. To those who are open to hearing where I am coming from, I appreciate your openness and civility. To those in agreement, I appreciate you expressing your views,” she wrote. “To those calling me dumb, selfish, privileged, bigoted, and racist and telling me that ‘you are better than this’, I fully acknowledge that addressing such an emotional, layered, nuanced and polarising topic on social media was not the smartest thing.”
Despite the apology, Jennings reiterated her belief that “our freedoms have slowly been taken from us with our consent”, adding that she is “not advocating for people to stop wearing masks” but rather advocating “critical thinking and civility. I am advocating personal responsibility”.
The follow-up post prompted mixed responses, with many continuing to criticise the athlete for her stance.
“Wearing a mask is not about taking away your freedom it’s about being respectful and responsible,” one person wrote.
The Independent has contacted Jennings for comment.
