Topline
Sunisa Lee, an American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist, claimed that she was pepper-sprayed in Los Angeles and subject to anti-Asian slurs. This is the latest high-profile incident of violence against Asian Americans in America during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sunisa Lee, Team USA poses with her gold medal following winning the Women's Allround... [+] Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre. Getty Images
The Key Facts
PopSugar interviewed Lee about being attacked while waiting for Uber in Los Angeles with her friends. Lee was accompanied by her friends when a group of attackers pulled up in a car and yelled at them. Lee claimed that one of the attackers pepper-sprayed her arm while the car was speeding off.
Important Quote
Lee recalled the incident and said, "I was so mad but there was nothing that I could do or control because of their skirting off. They didn't do anything, and it was so difficult because of my reputation. I didn’t want to do anything that could lead to trouble. It just happened."
Big Number
9,081. According to a Stop AAPI Hate report, this is the total number of incidents involving racial violence against Asian Americans (AAPI) between March 2020 and June 2021. These incidents include verbal harassment, physical assault and other forms of harassment.
Important Background
After Simone Biles, the defending champion, withdrew from this year's Tokyo Summer Games competition, Lee was awarded the gold medal in gymnastics in the women’s all-around individual competition. The gymnast, aged 18, also won an individual bronze medal on uneven bars and a team silver medal at the Olympic games. Lee, the first American Olympic athlete to represent Hmong ethnicity at the Tokyo games was one of the most prominent stars.
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All Eyes on Suni Lee (PopSugar).
Sunisa Lee, Olympic gold medalist, claims she was peppersprayed in racist attacks (Washington Post).
Lee, Olympic gold medalist Lee claims she was pepper sprayed in racist attack. (AFP)
