Full Breakdown
Chloe Kim Shuts Down DMs Following Disturbing Messages After Olympics
2/28/2026, 10:09:14 PM
Chloe Kim's Response to Online Harassment
Chloe Kim, the American snowboarder and three-time Olympic medalist, recently announced that she has disabled direct messages on her Instagram account due to receiving “very disturbing images” from users. The announcement came shortly after her participation in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where she won a silver medal in the women's halfpipe event. Kim expressed her concerns on social media, stating, “I unfortunately had to turn off my DMs due to people taking things too far. I've seen too many fake and very disturbing images/videos and I need to protect myself.”
Context of the Disturbing Messages
The specific nature of the messages Kim received was not detailed, but they coincided with the circulation of a fabricated image that falsely depicted her and her boyfriend, Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, as engaged. Kim addressed this misinformation during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” urging her followers not to believe the fake news. She humorously noted, “Don’t fall for it, guys! [Garrett is] wearing sunglasses. I don’t want my man to propose to me with sunglasses on.”
Kim's Olympic Performance and Public Life
Kim's silver medal at the 2026 Olympics adds to her impressive collection of three Olympic medals, following her gold medals in the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Games. Despite her success, she faced challenges leading up to the Olympics, including a dislocated shoulder from a training accident in Switzerland. After her Olympic performance, where she narrowly missed gold, Kim has been adjusting to life back in the United States, where she was recently spotted in New York City alongside fellow Olympian Sunisa Lee.
Criticism and Public Reaction
While Kim has received significant public support, the incident highlights the darker side of fame, particularly for young athletes. The backlash against the disturbing messages she received raises questions about the pressures faced by public figures in the age of social media. Critics argue that the culture of online harassment can detract from the achievements of athletes like Kim, who have worked hard to reach the pinnacle of their sports.
Official Statements and Future Considerations
In her social media posts, Kim expressed hope to reconnect with her followers in the future, stating, “Hopefully with some time we’ll be back! I really do enjoy connecting with you all!” As for her future in competitive snowboarding, Kim has not confirmed plans for the 2030 Winter Olympics, remarking, “I’m not thinking about [the 2030 Olympics].”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I unfortunately had to turn off my DMs due to people taking things too far.” — Chloe Kim, Olympic Snowboarder
- “I don’t want my man to propose to me with sunglasses on.” — Chloe Kim, addressing a fake engagement rumor.
Chloe Kim's experience underscores the complexities of modern celebrity, where achievements can be overshadowed by negative online interactions.
