Korbin Albert, rising star of the United States women's team, playing for PSG, at the heart of a controversy for having shared content of a homophobic and transphobic nature, notably arousing the indignation of Megan Rapinoe, figure of the LGBTQ+ movement, expressed his apology Thursday evening.
“I would like to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media. “Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful, which was never my intention,”
the defensive midfielder wrote on his Instagram account, a few minutes after scoring a superb goal against the Swedes. BK Häcken (3-0), during Paris' qualification for the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League.
In the hours preceding this match, the temperature rose on social networks where videos were unearthed that the player had relayed a few weeks earlier on her TikTok account. One of them states that
“God could save from homosexuality or transsexuality”
. Other shared content contained the testimony of a young man explaining how Jesus
“saved”
him from many failings in his life, including
“his bisexuality and transgender identity
,” for which he said he felt “shame
.
”
Comments
“liked”
by Albert.
“I am really disappointed in myself, and I am deeply sorry for the harm I caused to my teammates, to the other players, to the fans, and to all those who were offended
,” commented the American player in the evening in his Instagram post. From the wave of outraged reactions on social networks in the United States emerged that of a major personality, Megan Rapinoe, a world figurehead in women's football, committed in particular to social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.
“For people who want to hide behind 'my beliefs', I would just like to ask a question: are you making the world safer, more inclusive (...), by bringing out the best in anyone ?»
, wrote Rapinoe on her Instagram account.
“Because if you don’t, you only believe in hate. And children are dying because of this hatred. Wake up !"
, concluded Rapinoe signing
“Yours Truly, #15”
, which was her jersey number with the American team for many years and which has since her retirement, worn by Albert, winner earlier this month of the Women's Gold Cup with United States.