USWNT midfielder Korbin Albert apologized on Thursday night for liking and sharing social media posts that she described as “offensive, insensitive and hurtful”.
The 20-year-old Albert, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, had reportedly reposted anti-LGBTQ+ content on her TikTok account. “I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media,” Albert wrote in a post shared on her Instagram story. “Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent. I’m really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended.
“I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize. It’s an honor and a privilege to get to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better.”
According to multiple media outlets, Albert shared a video from a Christian sermon that described being gay and “feeling transgender” as wrong. Albert’s apology came on the same day she scored in PSG’s 3-0 win over Häcken in the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.
Earlier this week, screenshots emerged of Albert liking a post that seemed to celebrate Megan Rapinoe’s achilles injury in last year’s NWSL final. The injury effectively ended Rapinoe’s career. Albert played for the USWNT in the recent W Gold Cup wearing the No 15 jersey that Rapinoe had worn for most of her international career. Rapinoe has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and had posted her own Instagram story before Albert’s apology came out.
“For people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs,’ I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone?” Rapinoe wrote. “Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And Kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up!”
Rapinoe didn’t mention Albert in the post but signed the message “Yours, Truly, #15” with the number underscored. Albert has made seven appearances for the United States and is also on the roster for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup.
