Kaillie Humphries, a U.S. bobsled pilot who has won Olympic gold medals representing both Canada and the United States, expressed concern as a self-described tax-paying California resident over Governor Gavin Newsom's response to allegations of financial fraud in the state.[1][2] She highlighted potential risks to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which California is set to co-host.[3]

Humphries commented after Newsom's press office posted on X an AI-generated image mocking independent journalist Nick Shirley, whose reporting alleged fraud in California's unemployment benefits programs. The image showed Shirley surrounded by cameras with a speech bubble reading, "Hey, can I see your kids?"[1]

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Humphries said: "As a California resident, I’m deeply concerned about the reports of alleged financial fraud and Governor Newsom’s apathy to it. ... The Olympics are a multi-billion dollar event that requires substantial governmental support to ensure it runs correctly."[1] She referenced past Olympic hosting issues, including the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games bribery scandal that led to federal investigations and convictions.[4]

A spokesperson for Newsom responded: "Our office does not typically respond to commentary from individuals who are not directly involved in or informed about the matter at hand. Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California is leading the nation in PREVENTING fraud, waste, and abuse."[1]

Humphries, originally from Canada, switched nationalities in 2019 following a prolonged immigration process and became the first woman to pilot bobsleds to Olympic gold for two countries: 2010 and 2014 for Canada, and 2022 for the U.S. in the monobob event.[2][5] She lives in San Diego with her husband, former U.S. skeleton slider Travis Armbruster.[1]

The 2028 Olympics and Paralympics will be held in Los Angeles from July 14-30, marking the city's third Games after 1932 and 1984.[3]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital. "Olympian Kaillie Humphries slams Newsom's 'apathy' toward alleged fraud as LA28 approaches." 5 November 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/olympian-kaillie-humphries-slams-newsom-apathy-towards-alleged-ca-fraud-la28-approaches
2. Olympics.com. "Kaillie Humphries." Accessed 2024. https://olympics.com/en/athletes/kaillie-humphries
3. LA28. "Home." Accessed 2024. https://la28.org/
4. Britannica. "Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games." Accessed 2024. https://www.britannica.com/event/Salt-Lake-City-2002-Olympic-Winter-Games
5. USA Bobsled & Skeleton. "Kaillie Humphries Officially Joins Team USA Bobsled." 27 September 2019. https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Bobsled-and-Skeleton/Features/2019/September/27/Kaillie-Humphries-Joins-Team-USA