Barbra Streisand Faces Backlash for 'Unhinged' Post About Alysa Liu's Olympic Gold Medal

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Barbra Streisand faced backlash on social media after congratulating U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu on her Olympic gold medal win, but then mentioning that Liu is 'half Chinese' and sharing Streisand's own personal connection to Chinese culture. Many found Streisand's comments to be 'tone deaf' and unnecessary, arguing that she was trying to make Liu's accomplishment about herself.

Why it matters

Streisand's comments highlight the ongoing challenges public figures face when commenting on the achievements of minority athletes. Her attempt to draw a personal connection came across as self-serving and overshadowed Liu's historic win. This incident underscores the need for public figures to be mindful and respectful when addressing the accomplishments of diverse individuals.

The details

On February 19, 2026, 20-year-old Alysa Liu won the gold medal in figure skating at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, becoming the first U.S. woman to do so in 24 years. Two days later, Barbra Streisand took to Instagram to congratulate Liu, but then went on to mention that she had heard Liu was 'half Chinese.' Streisand proceeded to share her own personal connection to Chinese culture, recounting how she worked in a Chinese restaurant and babysat for a Chinese family growing up in Brooklyn. Many of Streisand's followers criticized her comments as 'tone deaf' and unnecessary, arguing that she was trying to make Liu's achievement about herself rather than simply congratulating the young athlete on her historic win.

• On February 19, 2026, Alysa Liu won the gold medal in figure skating at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.
• On February 20, 2026, Barbra Streisand posted her congratulatory message on Instagram.