AOC Criticizes Online Petition Against Rachael Gunn

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has condemned an anonymous online petition attacking b-girl Rachael Gunn, who faced backlash after her performance at the Olympic debut of breaking. The petition, which has garnered over 45,000 signatures, claims Gunn manipulated Olympic qualification processes, a statement the AOC refutes as 'vexatious, misleading, and bullying.' AOC CEO Matt Carroll criticized the petition for containing 'numerous falsehoods' and called for its immediate withdrawal from change.org, labeling it defamatory and a form of harassment. Gunn's performance, which included a 'kangaroo dance' and resulted in a score of zero points, has led to widespread parody and ridicule, including features on U.S. late-night television. Despite the criticism, Gunn has received support from fellow Olympians, including canoeist Jess Fox, and AOC team chef de mission Anna Meares. The AOC emphasizes that no athlete should endure such treatment after representing their country at the Olympics.