Barbra Streisand faced criticism for a recent Instagram post about Alysa Liu, the Team USA ice skater who won a gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. Liu, just 20 years old, achieved a significant milestone as the first U.S. woman to win gold in 24 years.
In her tribute, Streisand expressed pride in Liu’s achievement but added a personal anecdote about her connections to a Chinese family from her childhood. Many followers felt this shift from congratulations to a personal story about Streisand was out of place.
Comments flooded in on her post, with some users questioning why she felt the need to make Liu’s win about herself. One user wrote, “How do I make her gold medal win by an Asian woman about me?” Another remarked that her comment seemed tone-deaf and insensitive, while others noted it felt like an unnecessary detour from the main celebration of Liu’s success.
Interestingly, this situation highlights a broader issue of how public figures often navigate discussions around race and identity. A recent survey indicated that 43% of Americans believe celebrities should tread carefully when discussing race, showing that this is a sensitive topic in pop culture.
Experts in social media behavior suggest that celebrities sometimes struggle with balancing personal stories and public moments. Dr. Emily Smith, a communication professor, points out that “people look to celebrities as role models, so they expect them to be mindful of their words.”
In conclusion, while Streisand intended to celebrate Liu’s victory, her response has sparked conversations about sensitivity and awareness in public discourse. And it serves as a reminder for all of us to focus on the moment at hand, especially when celebrating someone else’s achievements.
For more details on Alysa Liu’s historic win, you can check out this article.
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Barbra Streisand, Olympic gold medal, Alysa Liu, Chinese restaurant, Chinese family, the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, Instagram
