Kaillie Humphries, a bobsled pilot who won Olympic gold medals for Canada in 2010 and 2014 before switching allegiance to the United States and claiming gold at the 2022 Beijing Games, voiced concerns as a California resident over Governor Gavin Newsom's response to allegations of state fraud.[1][2]
Humphries, who lives in San Diego with her husband, former bobsledder Travis Armbruster, and their daughter born in 2024, addressed the matter in an interview with Fox News Digital.[1][3]
The governor's press office drew criticism after posting an AI-generated image on social media depicting independent journalist Nick Shirley surrounded by cameras with a speech bubble reading, "Hey, can I see your kids?" The image responded to Shirley's investigation into alleged financial fraud in California.[1][4]
"As a California resident, I’m deeply concerned about the reports of alleged financial fraud and Governor Newsom’s apathy to it," Humphries said. "Aside from the reality that any financial fraud is wrong, the fact that this allegedly happened in the state that is slated to host the 2028 Olympics is even more concerning."[1]
Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics from July 14 to 30, 2028, the first Games in the city since 1984.[5] Humphries noted historical issues with Olympic hosting, citing the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics bidding scandal involving bribery in 2002.[1][6]
A spokesperson for Newsom's office responded to Fox News Digital, stating: "Our office does not typically respond to commentary from individuals who are not directly involved in or informed about the matter at hand. Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California is leading the nation in PREVENTING fraud, waste, and abuse — protecting billions of dollars intended for families, students, seniors, and communities."[1]
Humphries, a naturalized U.S. citizen since 2021 after immigrating legally from Canada, has previously expressed support for former President Donald Trump, including on issues like women's sports.[1][7]
Sources
- Fox News Digital. "Olympic bobsled legend Kaillie Humphries blasts Newsom over fraud response, 2028 Olympics." December 12, 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/olympic-bobsled-legend-kaillie-humphries-newsom-fraud-response-la-olympics
- Olympics.com. "Kaillie Humphries." Accessed December 13, 2024. https://olympics.com/en/athletes/kaillie-humphries
- USA Bobsled & Skeleton. "Kaillie Humphries." Accessed December 13, 2024. https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Bobsled-and-Skeleton/Athletes/Kaillie-Humphries
- New York Post. "Gavin Newsom’s office mocks reporter with AI-generated pedo image after fraud exposé." December 10, 2024. https://nypost.com/2024/12/10/media/gavin-newsoms-office-mocks-reporter-with-ai-generated-pedo-image-after-fraud-expose/
- LA28.org. "LA28 Summer Olympics Dates Confirmed." Official site. Accessed December 13, 2024. https://la28.org/en/la28-summer-olympics/
- Britannica. "Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games." Accessed December 13, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/sports/Salt-Lake-City-2002-Olympic-Winter-Games
- Fox News. "Olympic gold medalist Kaillie Humphries reveals Trump support." March 7, 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/olympic-gold-medalist-kaillie-humphries-reveals-trump-support-backlash
