Golf star Lexi Thompson announced recently she is going dark on social media because of “hurtful” abuse from online trolls.
It was widely reported the 24-year-old was stepping back from her online activity after copping a fierce backlash for golfing with US President Donald Trump — but there was more to the story than just a meeting with the American leader.
“Hey everybody, just want to say I will be taking a break from social media. If I post it will be from my management team for me. I’m too involved with it, and to read some of the hurtful things being said to me lately isn’t fair and I’m not dealing with it,” Thompson posted to Instagram, alongside a selfie.
“Thank you to my true fans out there. I will be back on but I’m going to be focusing on me right now and my life. Thanks for understanding.”
While many speculated the social media break was due to the Trump factor, Thompson’s management team came out and clarified that assertion, saying instead she was a victim of long-term online abuse.
“It has come to our attention that the reason for Lexi Thompson’s decision to take a break from Social Media has been taken out of context by various media outlets,” the statement from Blue Giraffe Sports said.
“Lexi’s decision was not based on a recent event or post, but rather from a culmination of harsh, hurtful, and unwarranted commentary from social media abusers over time.
“Lexi is aware that this is a constant problem for most people in the public spotlight, and she has always readily accepted that fact. Lexi is excited to compete in the LPGA Mediheal Championship this week in San Francisco and simply wanted to remove this negative variable on a temporary basis in order to focus on competing against the world’s best.”
Thompson’s agent Bobby Kreusler told Golfweek Thompson’s breaking point came when she failed to make the cut at an LPGA event in Los Angeles, turned on her phone and was confronted with hurtful comments.
“She doesn’t understand how people can say that when she works so hard and has sacrificed so much,” Kreusler said.
Thompson has bravely spoken out about her personal issues in the past. Last year she opened up about her struggles with body issues.
“One of the biggest issues I’ve gone through is my self image/body confidence,” Thompson wrote.
“I would compare myself to these stick thin or fitness models on Instagram, tearing myself down because I didn’t have the toned stomach or the big butt. As a girl I know body confidence is a huge part of life and what we all go through.
“You think you’ll be happy once you get this certain body? But will you really be? Maybe more confident and by doing it the right way is how u need to go about it.
“The only way you’ll ever be truly happy though is if you love yourself first. But what I want to share is that you’re not alone in any of your struggles. And what I’ve learned is that I’m not going to deprive myself in the one life I get to live, I’m going to enjoy life and my food.
“You should never compare your body to others it’s a never ending battle of being miserable trust me. Your body is your body, it is beautiful so embrace it.”
In response to Thompson’s recent post about getting off social media, several of her followers penned messages of support.
“Don’t let the internet trolls get you down girl! It’s easy for people to have opinions and voicing them from behind a little screen,” Olympian Monica Aksamit wrote.
“F the haters. you are incredible Lexi,” another posted.
