Caitlyn Jenner brands Gwen Berry's national anthem protest ‘disgusting’ in explosive rant

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By VT

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Caitlyn Jenner has criticized track and field runner Gwen Berry for turning away from the American flag.

Per The Independent, the former Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete spoke out against Berry's protest in an interview with Eric Bolling on Newsmax TV on Wednesday, June 30.

Take a look at the interview in question in the video below: 

Per the above publication, when asked her opinion of Berry's conduct, Jenner stated:

"Honestly, it's disgusting. I don’t like political statements on the podium. We shouldn't do that. This is the greatest gathering of people and countries in the world.

"Over 200 countries will be at the Olympic Games – there are 150-something countries in the UN and it has such potential for good. Don’t destroy it."

Jenner continued by stating that she doesn't think that Berry will have the opportunity to repeat her stunt in the future, as she is likely to be replaced on the track and field team for the Tokyo Olympics.

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Credit: Alamy/ZUMA Press Inc

The 71-year-old added: "To be honest with you, we don’t have a worry in the world that she’ll be on the podium there, because she got third there The other two girls ahead of her are so much better."

Berry provoked widespread controversy after she seemingly turned her back on the banner while the national anthem was playing during the track and field trials for the Olympic games, held on Saturday, June 26.

Indeed, a number of other political figures have since commented on Berry's act of defiance.

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Credit: Alamy/REUTERS

For instance, Republican Ted Cruz has publically criticized Berry in a tweet shared with his 4.4 million Twitter followers.

Sharing a link to a news report on the story, the Texas senator captioned it: "Why does the Left hate America?

"Sure, we have our faults, but no nation in the history of the world has liberated more people from captivity, has lifted more out of poverty, has bled more for freedom, or has blessed more w/ abundance. God bless America. [sic]"

Meanwhile, per New York Post, senator Tom Cotton stated in an interview with Fox News Primetime:

"I don't think it's too much when athletes are competing to wear the Stars and Stripes [...] for them to simply honor that flag and our anthem on the medal stand.

"If Ms. Berry is so embarrassed by America, then there's no reason she needs to compete for our country. She should be removed from the Olympic team."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy/PictureLux/The Hollywood Archive