Alexandr Dolgopolov Draws Social Media Wrath After Stating LGBT Community Is ‘Not Normal’, Ukrainian Star Stands By His Opinion
Ukrainian tennis pro Alexandr Dolgopolov has an opinion on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community calling the group “not normal” and it drew mixed reactions— mostly anger and disappointment— from followers of his social media account last Tuesday.
Currently ranked no. 24 in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings, the 25-year-old Dolgopolov is in hot water after posting a picture on his Instagram account of Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst with the accompanying text of “Mommy,mommy,am I a princess? No son,your an idiot!”.
Conchita Wurst is the drag stage persona of Thomas Neuwirth, an Austrian singer who became famous after his victory at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. Wurst is one of the most controversial winners of the singing contest owing to his sexual preference.
As expected, some of his followers took offence to the seemingly anti-gay comments and replied strongly to Dolgopolov’s initial and succeeding posts:
“I’m happy to know that you apparently think I and the entire gay community are idiots. Makes it easy to schedule what court to go to if you're at a tournament I'm attending. You wouldn't want any idiots in the stands watching you play.” @mreiter18 replied.
"You are the epitome of bigotry and everything that is wrong with this world. I will no longer support you as a tennis player or anything else for that matter. Who are you to judge anyone and who made you the authority on what is normal? SHAME ON YOU. @nykiaex posted.
"You're making things up to back your ignorant views. I hope your child isn't gay so they don't have to grow up with an idiot like yourself. Also please retire because I think like 3 people total care to watch you play tennis.” @gogokola said.
Dolgopolov is standing by his post despite the criticisms and even defended his view on the matter with replies to the visitors in his page.
”I said it's not normal and natural for me,and that's not going to change, no matter what anybody says. Doesn't mean I'm against it, doesn't mean some one should care about it, everybody is free to do what they want. Period.“ Dolgopolov in length stated reaffirming his stand on the issue.
“If you can't read what I mean, I have nothing more to explain and you can be insulted as much as you want.”
Read the full post and replies of Dolgoplov and his back and forth with the fans in his Instagram account.
Dolgoplov is considered one of the better players in the men’s singles tour of the ATP reaching a career-high no. 13 spot in the ATP rankings early in 2011. The Ukrainian has career earnings of over $4.5 million since turning pro in 2006.
Dolgopolov has a controversial take on the LGBT community and so far, he’s been consistent in defending his stand.
