14 DAY TRIAL // Back in September 2013, Russian figure skater Irina Rodnina posted a photoshopped image of US President Barack Obama looking at a banana on Twitter. Now, she is blaming hackers for the controversial tweet.
At the time, The Guardian quoted Rodnina as saying that there was nothing wrong with the image.
“Freedom of speech is freedom of speech, and you should answer for your own hang-ups,” she said at the time.
Now, Rodnina, who lit the Olympic flame at the Sochi Games, has changed her story.
In a short statement posted on Twitter a few hours ago, she apologized for the incident and blamed hackers for the controversial photo, seen by many as racist.
I respect the Obama family and apologize for not clearly stating earlier that I don't support the tweeted photo or racism in any form. (1/2)
— Irina Rodnina (@IRodnina) February 10, 2014
My account was hacked and I should have shown better judgement in my initial response and handling of the event. (2/2)
— Irina Rodnina (@IRodnina) February 10, 2014
The figure skater has been criticized by many people for posting the doctored picture of Obama. However, on February 9, she posted the following message on Twitter:
Honored to light the Olympic flame in Sochi in the spirit of the games with respect for every nationality, race, sex and background.
— Irina Rodnina (@IRodnina) February 8, 2014