And American Olympian Shaun White faced questioning about accusations of sexual harassment, after he won the Olympic gold medal for the men’s snowboard halfpipe at this year’s Olympic Games in South Korea. White has been sued for sexually harassing his former bandmate, Lena Zawaideh, and then firing her without paying her after she rebuked his behavior. At a news conference today, in which female journalists say the Olympic Committee officials only called on male journalists, Shaun White tried to claim the lawsuit and accusations were “gossip.”
Shaun White: “You know, honestly, I’m here to talk about the Olympics, not, you know, gossip. So—but I don’t think so. I am who I am, and I’m proud of who I am. And my friends, you know, love me and vouch for me, and I think that stands on its own. So, thank you.”
Nick Alexakos: “Absolutely.”
Reporter: “But so you’re saying that the allegations against you are gossip?”
Nick Alexakos: “I think we’re here to talk about the gold medal and the amazing day we had today. Thank you. So, if we don’t have another question, why don’t we go ahead and just pass the mic. Thank you so much.”
Reporter: “I’d like it to be addressed just a little bit, I mean.”
Nick Alexakos: “Like I said, I think we’re here to talk about the gold medal today and the amazing day we just had.
Shaun White: “I feel like I addressed it.”
Shaun White reached a private settlement with Lena Zawaideh months ago.