USWNT's Korbin Albert Apologizes For Sharing 'Hurtful' Christian Video After Megan Rapinoe Calls Her Out
Korbin Albert, an up-and-coming star for the USWNT, has issued an apology for sharing a Christian video about the LGBTQ+ community after Megan Rapinoe called her out on social media.
Albert, who played at Notre Dame before turning professional, previously re-posted a video on her TikTok account of a sermon talking about how being gay and "feeling transgender" is wrong. The reposted videos resurfaced this week, which led Rapinoe, who is gay, to criticize Albert on social media.
"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 on her Instagram story.
"Because if you aren't, all you believe in is hate. And Kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up!"
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Rapinoe predictably did not mention Albert in her post, but later confirmed to The Athletic that her post was in response to Albert's social media activity.
"She also wanted to share her specific concerns about how online discussions around trans people have real-world — and often dangerous — consequences," the outlet wrote after speaking with Rapinoe.
Rapinoe's calling out of Albert occurred on Wednesday, with Albert's apology coming just a few hours later.
Albert, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain at the club level, posted her apology to her Instagram story following her team's 3-0 win over Hacken in the Champions League quarterfinals.
"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media," Albert wrote on her Instagram story. "Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive, and hurtful was immature and disrespectful, which was never my intent," Albert began.
"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," she wrote. "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."
Albert has also been accused of previously liking an Instagram post of a meme that made light of Rapinoe tearing her Achilles in her final game. The Athletic made sure to note that Albert had also created a TikTok video on Fourth of July weekend a year ago in which she and her family stated "their pronouns are USA."
Albert appears to have deleted that video from her page because being a proud American and joking about pronouns is essentially a crime in the year 2024.