Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess have sparked controversy on the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Team USA skiers publicly claimed to be conflicted about representing their country in Italy.
Lillis said he was ‘heartbroken’ by the actions of Donald Trump‘s ICE agents. Meanwhile, Hess admitted he has mixed emotions about competing for the USA amid the tumultuous political climate.
“Simply because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent all the things that’s happening within the US,” Hess said. Simply because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent all the things that’s happening within the US.”
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Fighters condemn Team USA skiers
Footage of Hunter Hess speaking out against his own country has gone viral.
It’s prompted several offended reactions from fighters from the worlds of MMA and boxing.
“Wow pls shut the f— up,” YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul commented.
“From all true Americans Should you don’t wish to represent this country, go live some other place.”
“Hunter Hess is a b—-,” former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland tweeted.
“Get the f— out of this country, we don’t want you here…..
“Bout to throw some fucking hands…. gay a– skier….. Fucking b—-.”
MMA legend Dan Henderson represented the US in wrestling on the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
The UFC Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on Lillis and Hess on social media.
I used to be at all times proud representing my country,” Henderson wrote on X – formerly often known as Twitter.
“For me, america gave me opportunities you may’t get in most countries the world over.
“Unsure who this skier [is], but can be good for him to spend time with our military to see what they undergo.”
He added: “Was at all times proud to represent america of America each within the Olympics and fighting for UFC. I’d do all of it yet again for the USA.”