Hunter Hess Trends for Forehead ‘L’ After Trump ‘Loser’ Dispute
American freeskier Hunter Hess recently sparked controversy during Olympic halfpipe qualifiers. After finishing fifth, he made a gesture shaping an “L” with his left thumb and forefinger, placing it to his forehead. However, the “L” was backward, which drew criticism from spectators.
Hess and the Backward ‘L’ Gesture
Hunter Hess’s gesture was a direct rebuttal to remarks made by former President Donald Trump, who previously labeled him a “real loser.” Embracing the backlash, Hess commented, “Apparently, I am a loser. I am leaning into it.” Despite the negativity, he remained focused on his performance. Hess finished in 10th place during the finals after crashing.
Growing Criticism and Community Reaction
On social media, observers pointed out the incorrect orientation of Hess’s “L.” One comment noted, “He can’t even get his L the right way around,” highlighting the public’s reaction to his gesture.
Challenges Faced by Hunter Hess
In addressing the controversy, Hess described the past two weeks as the “hardest” of his life. He stated, “I worked so hard to be here. I sacrificed my entire life to make this moment happen.” Despite the distraction, Hess expressed his pride in representing the United States, saying, “I love the United States of America.”
- Performance in Qualifiers: Finished fifth.
- Finals Placement: Finished tenth after crashing.
- Public Remarks: Critically reacted to Trump’s comments.
- Background: Two-time X Games medalist and first-time Olympian.
Support and Resilience
Hess credited his family for their support during this challenging period. “There was a lot of noise, and I’ve never been subject to that type of criticism,” he remarked. “With my family’s help, I was able to get through it.” He emphasized how skiing has positively impacted his life repeatedly, reinforcing his commitment to the sport.
As Hess continues his journey in the Olympics, he exemplifies resilience amidst controversy. Despite facing criticism, his dedication to both skiing and representing Team USA remains unwavering.
