'Harsh and hurtful': Female golf star's social media nightmare

One day after golfer Lexi Thompson announced that she was leaving social media, her management team issued a statement denying that the withdrawal was a response to negative reaction regarding her recent golf outing with President Donald Trump and broadcaster Rush Limbaugh.

The statement from Blue Giraffe Sports, posted on Thompson’s Instagram account, read in part, “It has come to our attention that the reason for Lexi Thompson’s decision to take a break from Social Media has been taken out of context by various media outlets.

“Lexi’s decision was not based on a recent event or post, but rather from a culmination of harsh, hurtful, and unwarranted commentary from social media abusers over time.

“Any news report that a recent event or situation led to her decision is completely false and erroneous.”

Thompson had joined Trump and Limbaugh at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Easter, and the White House posted photos to social media.

Since then, Thompson has been subjected to negative comments.

“Hey everybody, just want to say I will be taking a break from social media. If I post it will be from my management team for me,” she said on Sunday.

“I’m too involved with it, and to read some of the hurtful things being said to me lately isn’t fair and I’m not dealing with it.

“Thank you to my true fans out there. I will be back on but I’m going to be focusing on me right now and my life. Thanks for understanding.”

Thompson’s agent told Golfweek of the social media abuse she received upon failing to make the cut at an event in Los Angeles last week.

“She doesn’t understand how people can say that when she works so hard and has sacrificed so much,” Bobby Kreusler said.

‘Love yourself’

Thompson has previously opened up about her battle with body issues.

“One of the biggest issues I’ve gone through is my self image/body confidence,” Thompson said last year.

“I would compare myself to these stick thin or fitness models on Instagram, tearing myself down because I didn’t have the toned stomach or the big butt. As a girl I know body confidence is a huge part of life and what we all go through.

“You think you’ll be happy once you get this certain body? But will you really be? Maybe more confident and by doing it the right way is how u need to go about it.

“The only way you’ll ever be truly happy though is if you love yourself first. But what I want to share is that you’re not alone in any of your struggles.

“And what I’ve learned is that I’m not going to deprive myself in the one life I get to live, I’m going to enjoy life and my food.

“You should never compare your body to others it’s a never ending battle of being miserable trust me. Your body is your body, it is beautiful so embrace it.”

Thompson, a 24-year-old Floridian, is scheduled to play in LPGA Mediheal Championship at Daly City, California, beginning Thursday.

She is the top-ranked American at No. 8 in the Rolex Rankings and is third in the United States Solheim Cup standings.

with agencies