Gus Kenworthy shocks fans by urinating protest words against ICE in the snow while preparing to compete for Team GB at the Winter Olympics in Milan

British-born freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy has turned heads at the Winter Olympics in Milan after sharing a provocative image on social media.

The 34-year-old, who won Olympic silver for the United States before switching to compete for Team Great Britain, posted a photo claiming he had written the words “F** ICE”* in the snow.

Alongside the image, he called on his 1.2 million Instagram followers to take a stand against the U.S. immigration agency, which has been at the center of recent controversy.

The post comes at a time when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are in Italy as part of the U.S. delegation’s security detail.

Their presence has sparked local outrage, with Milan’s mayor describing them as “a militia that kills.”

Protests have been ongoing over the past week and are expected to intensify around the opening ceremony, which will be attended by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

Controversy Over Kenworthy’s Protest

Kenworthy’s post has added fuel to an already heated debate about ICE and its operations.

In his message, he referenced the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota during ICE enforcement actions, urging followers to pressure their senators to implement reforms.

He even provided a suggested template for contacting lawmakers, emphasizing the need for accountability, limits on warrantless arrests, and better oversight of immigration enforcement in communities, schools, and hospitals.

The graphic nature of the post has raised questions about whether it violates Olympic rules.

The Olympic Charter prohibits political demonstrations at Olympic venues, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) clarified that personal expression on social media does not fall under this restriction.

According to the IOC, athletes are allowed to express their views online as part of the Athlete Expression Guidelines.

Team GB and the Olympic Response

Team Great Britain officials appear unconcerned about Kenworthy’s actions.

Sources indicate that the image was taken before he arrived in Italy, and no disciplinary measures have been suggested.

The IOC has also indicated that his social media posts do not violate any regulations, as long as no political demonstration occurs on Olympic property.

The “Traitor” Label and Kenworthy’s Identity

Kenworthy’s career has long been intertwined with public scrutiny over his nationality.

Born in the U.K. and raised in Colorado, he initially competed for the United States, winning silver at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

He later chose to represent Great Britain in subsequent Games, including 2018 and now 2026.

This decision has led some in the U.S. to label him a “traitor,” but Kenworthy has consistently explained that he feels a connection to both countries.

He has said he chose the U.S. team in 2014 because he was living there at the time but embraces his British heritage as well.

Memorable Moments on and Off the Slopes

Kenworthy has never shied away from the spotlight.

At the 2014 Olympics, shortly after winning silver, he made headlines by joking that pop star Miley Cyrus was his “dream date.”

The revelation delighted fans and the media, especially considering that Kenworthy was in a secret relationship at the time.

Since coming out publicly as gay, he has continued to be an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ athletes and a high-profile figure both on and off the slopes.

What’s Next?

As the Winter Olympics continue, Kenworthy’s comments and the ongoing protests against ICE in Milan are likely to remain in the spotlight.

With Vice President J.D. Vance and other U.S. officials attending key events, tensions may escalate between activists, athletes, and the delegation.

How Olympic organizers and national teams handle political expression in real time could influence how such issues are addressed at future Games.

Summary

Gus Kenworthy has made a highly visible protest against U.S. immigration enforcement during the Winter Olympics in Milan by posting a photo claiming he wrote “F** ICE”* in the snow.

His statement coincides with the controversial presence of ICE officers as part of the U.S. delegation, sparking protests in the city.

While Olympic rules ban political demonstrations on-site, the IOC clarified that personal social media posts are not regulated in the same way.

Team GB has expressed no concern, and the image was reportedly taken before Kenworthy arrived in Italy.

Kenworthy’s career and personal identity have often intersected with public debate, and he continues to be a vocal figure both in sport and in political discourse.