US Olympic champion in apology for ‘gossip’ claim

American snowboarder Shaun White has apologised after dismissing sexual misconduct allegations made against him as “gossip” shortly after winning his third Olympic gold medal.

White is the world’s dominant snowboarder, having won gold in 2006, 2010 and now this year in the men’s halfpipe in South Korea.

He was forced to backtrack yesterday after he initially dismissed harassment claims in a press conference, sparking condemnation on social media from the likes of US actress Alyssa Milano – a key supporter of the #Metoo movement.

Former bandmate Lena Zawaideh alleged White sexually harassed her, leading to an out-of-court settlement last year. White later said he used “a poor choice of words to describe such a sensitive subject”. “I’m just truly sorry,” he said.