Soccer stars Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis’ happy news of their upcoming wedding was interrupted by a barrage of homophobic comments.
Kerr and Mewis announced on Monday (November 18) that they are expecting their first child together after getting engaged last year. Mewis, 33, who played in the National Women’s Soccer League in the US before signing with West Ham United in the UK last December, is carrying their child.
But despite their joyful Instagram post, which showed Kerr, 31, kissing Mewis’ baby bump, the couple were sent “hateful” messages.
A spokesman for Chelsea Football Club issued a statement via Reuters regarding the homophobic online abuse the couple received, saying the organization was aware of the comments, which it called “unacceptable and hateful”.
Kristie Mewis, Sam Kerr.
Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty
“There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed at our players, staff or fans,” the spokesman said. “We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”
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During a press conference on Tuesday, November 19, England women’s national football team manager Sarina Wiegman also addressed the comments, adding: “It’s very, very disappointing. I’m really happy for them, they look really happy and I hope everything goes well,” Wiegman said, according to USA Today.
USWNT’s Kristie Mewis is pregnant! The athlete is expecting his first child with the fiancee of the soccer star, Sama Kerr
Mewis and Kerr, who plays for Australia and Chelsea, announced their engagement in November 2023 after initially linking up during the Tokyo Olympics.
Mewis told PEOPLE at the time that, aside from her family, Kerr was “just everything” to her. “My biggest supporter, she always listens to me nag and complain about everything, all my crazy antics,” she said.
In a 2022 interview with GAFFER, the couple revealed how long-distance their relationship was at the time.
Soccer player Kristie Mewis engaged to Sam Kerr: ‘She was just everything to me’ (Exclusive)
“It’s hard, of course, just being away from each other, but we have FaceTime,” Mewis told the paper about how they’re going long distance. “Being in New York is really good because I can just drop by if I get two days off.”
“I think the thing that keeps us going is that we can see the end point. We both just want each other to do so well in their careers. I don’t think you can be in a long distance relationship with someone who doesn’t understand sports. She totally gets it and I get it. So we just support each other,” Kerr said at the time.
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Source: HIS Education