Winter Olympics 2018: Shaun White dismisses harassment ‘gossip’ after winning halfpipe gold

Shaun White took Olympic gold in the halfpipe early Wednesday in Pyeongchang with a spectacular final run, but shortly after he had to address sexual misconduct allegations that have followed him since 2016.

“I’m here to talk about the Olympics, not gossip and stuff,” White said when asked if he thought the allegations tarnished his legacy. “I don’t think so. I am who I am and I’m proud of who I am.”

Shaun White responds to questions about sexual misconduct allegations made against him in 2016 lawsuit: "I'm here to talk about the Olympics, not gossip and stuff." https://t.co/q8paxSc2Rd pic.twitter.com/FqV3nA5uIH
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) February 14, 2018

White, a three-time gold medalist in the halfpipe event, didn’t answer any follow-up questions regarding the allegations. In an August 2016 lawsuit, Lena Zawaideh, the former drummer in White’s rock band, alleged White of sexually harassing her and refusing to pay her after she was fired. The suit was settled in the spring of 2017