Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, better known as Raygun, is speaking out against the harassment she has faced since going viral during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her unconventional dance moves while competing against the U.S.’s Logan Edra, Lithuania’s Dominika Banevič and France’s Sya Dembélé garnered worldwide attention and led to accusations that Raygun manipulated Australia’s selection process for the Olympics.
“I just want to start out by thanking all the people who have supported me,” Raygun said in a video message posted to her Instagram page. “I really appreciate the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your life. That’s what I hoped. I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate, which frankly has been pretty devastating.”
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“When I went out there I had fun. I did take it very seriously,” she continued. “I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics. I gave my all, truly. I am honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team and been a part of breaking’s Olympic debut.”
Raygun directed those accusing her of manipulating the Olympic selection process to the Australian Olympic Committee, which has already refuted those claims publicly. She added that is currently taking “pre-planned downtime” in Europe following the Olympics.
“I really would like to ask the press to stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breaking community and the broader street dance community,” she added. “Everyone has been through a lot as a result of this. I ask you to respect their privacy.”
Raygun, who also was spoofed by Rachel Dratch on “The Tonight Show” this week, told reporters (via ESPN) after her Olympics routine went viral that “all of my moves are original.”
“Creativity is really important to me. I go out there, and I show my artistry,” she continued at the time. “Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art. That is what it is about.”
Watch Ragyun’s full message to fans below.
ned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram/reel/C-sDDtfokE4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">A post shared by Rachael Gunn (@raygun_aus)
