EXCLUSIVE: Meryl Davis Opens Up About Being a Role Model and That Kylie Jenner Twitter Controversy
Meryl Davis is getting candid about her recent controversial tweet regarding models promoting activewear and sharing her thoughts on the “honor” of being a role model.
The Olympic gold medalist made waves after posting a photo to Twitter in which she compared models Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid advertising sports gear with fellow Olympian Aly Raisman, stating, “I’ll take the one promoted by the athlete please.”
Davis spoke with ET at UNICEF’s annual Snowflake Ball in New York City on Tuesday, where she confessed she was stunned when the post caused so much drama.
“It took on a life of its own that I didn't really intend for it to, which is a reminder for me to definitely think through all the sides of things before I put something out there,” the ice dancer admitted. “I'm really passionate about making sure that different women are represented in that kind of industry, so my intention is definitely to draw attention to the fact that it's important to show athletes.”
“It's important to show women, in all different walks of life, in that kind of imagery,” she continued. “Unfortunately, I don't think everyone necessarily understood my tweet the way it was intended, but it's a good lesson for me to learn.”
Davis, 29, added that she doesn’t regret the post, but wishes she had explained her intentions more clearly and “said everything I wanted to say instead of putting something out there so quickly without thinking through how it could be interpreted.”
WATCH: Olympic Ice Dancer Meryl Davis Calls Out Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid Ad Campaigns
The season 18 Dancing With the Stars winner added that she’s aware of the responsibility Olympians have to be role models and explained that she’s passionate about being someone who young girls, in particular, can look up to.
“To encourage people to think beyond what they can accomplish, but to have a positive impact on our global community as well, is an honor,” she said. “It's one that I don't take lightly.”
See more on Davis’ controversial comments in the video below.
Reporting by Darla Murray
Related Gallery
