Paul Skenes' wife Livvy Dunne responds to viral backlash with grace and humor
LSU gymnast and online sensation Olivia "Livvy" Dunne was back in the limelight this time not for her performance on the mat, but for a moment at Churchill Downs. Her reading of the traditional
"Riders Up"
call before the Kentucky Oaks drew mixed reactions on the internet.
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Critics said she appeared nervous, read from cue cards, and lost the spirit of the moment. But Dunne had a straightforward answer that indicated she wasn't paying attention to the gossip.
Paul Skenes' wife Livvy Dunne's big Derby debut sparks online buzz
It was Livvy Dunne's first-ever Kentucky Derby weekend, and she was in the thick of it. Selected to deliver the iconic "Riders Up" call ahead of the Kentucky Oaks, she was standing on stage in a pink ruffled gown and pink fascinator to match, eager to prove herself.
But when she delivered the two-line statement, many in the crowd were unimpressed. One solitary
"woohoo! "
rang out in reply.
Later, social media tore it apart, with some complaining that she gazed downward too much, sounded uncertain, or failed to memorize the script.
Videos of the moment caught fire, notably one posted by NBC Sports on X. The quick backlash came with commentators pointing fingers at her delivery and blaming her for not being adequately prepared.
But Livvy Dunne wasn't quiet.
Paul Skenes' wife Livvy Dunne keeps it light and keeps being Livvy Dunne
Rather than shooting fire with fire, Livvy Dunne went to TikTok to stealthily deal with the moment. In a glamour video showing off her Derby-day look, she posted a short, candid response to a viewer's query as to the call:
" I couldn't hear myself because of the echo of the microphone."
When someone else in the audience asked another fan why everyone was being so cruel to her, Livvy Dunne answered with a quick but indicative
"Yes."
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It wasn't defensive. It wasn't overexplained. Just Livvy being Livvy allowing her charm and authenticity to speak for themselves.
Despite the announcement spectacle, Livvy Dunne still had a great time at her Derby weekend. She also hosted Club SI at Churchill Downs, turning heads in her chic dress and mingling with sporting and fashion celebrities. Her pink frock, with flared shoulders and side slit, was a perfect fit for the high-fashion vibe of the day.
And while the internet picked apart her mic moment, Livvy Dunne appeared more concerned with grander things. Only a few weeks prior, she officially retired from gymnastics after devoting years of her life to it. The 22-year-old has been competing since the tender age of three, and now she's entering a new era full of possibility and liberty.
Speaking during a recent interview, she explained how she cannot wait for what comes next outside of gymnastics.
More for herself, fresh endeavors, and yes, a bit more Kentucky Derby glitz.
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