Olympic Gymnast Louis Smith Apologises for Leaked Video Mocking Islam
Olympic gymnast Louis Smith has apologised after a video was leaked that appeared to show him and fellow gymnast Luke Carson mocking Islam.ย
The 27-year-old tweeted his apology on Sunday:
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According to the BBC, the pair were shown "laughing while pretending to pray and shouting 'Allahu Akbar,'" which means "God is the greatest" in Arabic.
In response to the video, which was published exclusively by Dan Sales, Patrick Gysin and Jason Johnson of the Sun on Friday,ย British Gymnastics released the following statement on Sunday:
"British Gymnastics does not condone the mocking of any faith or religion and is appalled by such behaviours. Gymnastics is an inclusive sport and we are proud of members who portray the inclusive values of British Gymnastics. Members who break our code of conduct can face suspension or expulsion from our organisation.
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The organisation added that it would be investigating the matter.
Smith, an MBE, won a bronze medal in the pommel horse at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and a silver in the event in the two sinceโas well as a bronze in the men's team event in London 2012.
Carson, 26, retired from the sport in 2015 due to injury.
