Change.org has taken down a petition from its website that spread misinformation about Australian b-girl Raygun about her selection at the Paris Olympics.
The petition, started by an anonymous user, called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) to hold Raygun – whose real name is Rachael Gunn – and Chef de Mission Anna Meares “accountable for unethical conduct” in her selection for the Games.
It falsely accused the university lecturer of “manipulating the selection process to her own advantage” and gained tens of thousands of signatures.
Change.org has now removed the petition from its platform after the AOC stepped in, saying the petition was “bullying and harassment and is defamatory”.
“The petition was flagged for misinformation and was reviewed according to our community guidelines,” a spokesperson said.
“Change.org maintains strict guidelines against content that constitutes harassment, bullying, or spreading false information.
“We take such matters seriously and remove any content that violates these standards to protect our users and uphold the integrity of our community.”
Change.org has contacted AOC chief executive Matt Carroll regarding the matter.
In a video statement published to social media, Gunn opened up about the impact the negativity and misinformation had had on her.
“I really appreciate the positivity, and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives. That’s what I hoped,” she said.
“I didn’t realise that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly, been pretty devastating.”
Gunn added that she had worked hard in preparation for the games and was honoured to be part of the Australian team.
Carroll had harsh words to say about the petition yesterday, adding that it was “disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published in this way”.
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“It’s appalling. No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way and we are supporting Dr Gunn and Anna Meares at this time,” he said.
“It’s important that the community understands the facts and that people do not form opinions based on malicious untruths and misinformation.”
The AOC stressed Gunn was successful through an independent qualifying process, before being approved by the International Olympic Committee.
