At least one transgender activist appeared to mock the one-armed skilled surfer at a Missouri library event last Friday that was attended by former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines and surfing legend Bethany Hamilton.
From traditional book publisher Brave Books, the two female athletes were hosting a children’s story hour on February 2 at The Library Center in Springfield, Missouri, with their motivational tales about overcoming obstacles.
Morris and Hamilton have faced backlash and boycotts from the left for speaking out against the rise of biological men competing in women’s sports.
Trans activists showed up wearing pride flags and clothing and causing sporadic disturbances during the story hour after trying unsuccessfully to have the February 2 event canceled, according to Brave Books.
Gaines described how one activist mocked Hamilton, who had lost her arm in a shark attack when she was younger, by attending the event while wearing plush shark dolls.
“How messed up is this, exactly? This rebel brought a shark-stuffed toy to make fun of Bethany Hamilton, who was attacked in the arm. Terrible, intolerable people. But oh but” accepting,” she remarked on X.
Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines (pictured) and surfing legend Bethany Hamilton attended a Missouri library event where transgender activists were present. Women’s Independent Forum
It was just another instance of “the left’s open-mindedness, compassion, and acceptance” on full display, according to Gaines, who told Fox News Digital about it.
“This is the strategy they employ time and time again. They desperately want to mock, intimidate, and threaten those they disagree with into solitude, but this was going too far. I am at a loss for words to express how ridiculous it is to directly make fun of Bethany Hamilton and the tragic event that cost her an arm by bringing sharks to children’s story time. Do I have the right to call this activist insensitive? She responded with a statement.
“Bethany embodies a strong, courageous person who serves as an example for all,” Gaines continued. “But in the end, I’m glad those activists showed up for the BRAVE Books story hours. Even more than the children, they needed to hear the tales read.
Actors frequently attend Brave Books’ story hours, according to CEO Trent Talbot, but those who attended the Missouri function were “downright nasty.”
“Activists have been present at almost all of our story time. These were downright nasty,” Talbot told the Examiner, despite the fact that they occasionally make noise and occasionally dress in drag.
“The activist who showed up to attack Bethany Hamilton while disguised as a shark is an awful person.” He continued, “Often, those who say they are the most forgiving turn out to be the cruelest.”
Despite losing her left arm in a shark attack in 2003 when she was only 13 years old, Hamilton rose to fame as one of the world’s most powerful surfers.
After the World Surf League changed its rules to permit transgender women to compete against biological women at the highest level in professional surfing, she came under fire for speaking out against them.
According to reports, trans activists arrived wearing pride flags and other clothing and caused sporadic disturbances during story hour. Riley Morris
As long as the rules are in place, she declared she wouldn’t support or compete in the World Surf League.
She changed her position last year, writing on X, “Male-bodied athletes should not be competing in female sports.” Period.
Hamilton recently disclosed to Fox News Digital that she has received death threats as a result of her stance for restoring fairness in children’s sports.
During the event, at least one advocate seemed to be making fun of Bethany Hamilton. AP
She continued, “It makes you sad that society can be so cruel.”
Morris, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, rose to prominence as an outspoken advocate for women in sports after being forced to compete against and share the same locker room as adult swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022.
She referred to NCAA leaders as “fools” last month for refusing to meet with female athletes who claim that the rules allowing trans athletes to participate in women’s sports have had a negative impact on them.
“Bethany is a strong, courageous person who serves as an example for everyone.” “But in the end, I’m glad those activists showed up for the story hour for Brave Books. Even more than the kids, they needed to hear the tales read,” Gaines told Fox News.
Hamilton opted not to offer any comment.
Brave Books was also contacted by Fox News Digital for a response, but no answer has been given as of yet.
