Korbin Albert, a midfielder for the U.S. women's national team and Paris Saint-Germain, issued an apology for engaging with social media content that she acknowledged as 'offensive, insensitive, and hurtful.' The 20-year-old player expressed regret for liking and sharing posts on her TikTok account that were deemed anti-LGBTQ+.
Albert's apology, shared on her Instagram story, emphasized her recognition of the immaturity and disrespectfulness of her actions. She specifically referenced a video from a Christian sermon that she reposted, which condemned being gay and 'feeling transgender' as wrong.
The apology came after PSG's victory in the Women's Champions League quarterfinals, where Albert scored a goal. The incident drew criticism from retired U.S. star Megan Rapinoe, who highlighted the harmful impact of such content, noting that 'kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate.'
In her statement, Albert expressed deep remorse for the hurt caused to her teammates, fellow players, fans, friends, and anyone offended by her actions. She stressed the importance of creating safe and respectful environments for everyone, both on and off the field.
Albert, who has represented the United States in seven matches and played a key role in the CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup, is also set to participate in the upcoming SheBelieves Cup. She concluded her apology by pledging to strive for better conduct in the future, acknowledging the honor and privilege of competing in the sport on a global stage.
The incident involving Albert underscores the ongoing challenges of promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination in sports. As the soccer community continues to address issues of diversity and acceptance, Albert's apology serves as a reminder of the responsibility that athletes bear in fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
For more soccer news, visit AP soccer.
