U.S. Soccer's Korbin Albert Apologizes for Her ‘Disrespectful’ Posts Mocking Megan Rapinoe and LGBTQ+ Community
Rapinoe penned a stern message calling out "hate" towards the LGBTQ+ community after fans discovered Albert's insensitive behavior online
Midfielder Korbin Albert apologized for sharing "offensive" and "hurtful" content to Megan Rapinoe and the LGBTQ+ community on social media
Now-retired soccer star Rapinoe called out the behavior in an Instagram story
After Rapinoe's post, Albert issued her apology on the app, telling fans she was "disappointed in" herself
U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Korbin Albert issued an apology on social media after she liked and shared posts mocking soccer star Megan Rapinoe and the LGBTQ+ community.
Fans on social media noticed Albert, 20, had liked and shared several videos on TikTok and Instagram that included anti-LGBTQ+ messaging, including one post making fun of Rapinoe's injury in the final game of her career.
Rapinoe, 38, took to Instagram to call out the behavior on Thursday.
"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?" Rapinoe wrote in her Instagram story.
The message continued, "Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake, TF up! Yours truly, #15."
Rapinoe concluded her story by 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."
Related: Megan Rapinoe ‘Can’t Wait for What’s Next’ in Her Career: ‘You’re Not Getting Rid of Me’ (Exclusive)
A few hours after Rapinoe posted her message, Albert, who wears Rapinoe's same no. 15 on the USWNT, issued her apology via Instagram story.
"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media," Albert began. "Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent."
Albert said she is "really disappointed" in herself and "deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended."
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She continued, "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. It’s an honor and a privilege to get to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better."
Soccer stars Sam and Kristi Mewis, Lynn Williams and Alana Cook, among others, supported Rapinoe's call out on their own Instagram Stories.
Angel City FC player Merritt Mathias reposted Rapinoe's message and wrote, "The real 15 stood up."
USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn wrote, "Well said, @mrapinoe," in support of the retired athlete.
Earlier this month, Albert helped the USWNT defeat Brazil in the W Gold Cup Final. She will compete for the team in the upcoming SheBelieves Cup on April 6 when the USWNT plays Japan.
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