Sometimes the best way to use social media is to not use it at all.
Just ask Korbin Albert, who is a relatively new name to the U.S. Women's National Team. The 20-year-old midfielder, who plays club soccer for Paris Saint-Germain in France, has found herself in the midst of a controversy and a target of Megan Rapinoe over the past week in response to her actions on TikTok.
Albert is still in the early part of her career, having just turned pro in January 2023 after forgoing her last two years of eligibility at Notre Dame.
After earning her first call-up to the senior national team in November 2023, Albert is answering some difficult questions in addition to smoothing over relationships with her new teammates on the USWNT.
MORE: Korbin Albert TikTok posts: USWNT midfielder apologizes after Megan Rapinoe issues statement
What did Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan say about Korbin Albert's posts?
Ahead of their SheBelieves Cup semifinal against Japan on Saturday, Morgan and Horan led off their press conference addressing the Albert situation.
"We've worked extremely hard to uphold the integrity of this national team through all of the generations, and we are extremely, extremely sad that this standard was not upheld," Horan said.
"We stand by maintaining a safe and respectful space, especially as allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community," Morgan added. "This platform has given us an opportunity to highlight causes that matter to us, something that we never take for granted."
Lindsey Horan & Alex Morgan speak out on the Korbin Albert situation 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/QyQevkQuWV
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) April 3, 2024
Morgan noted the issue has been handled internally.
What did Korbin Albert post on social media?
Albert's social media activity started to gain traction after former USWNT midfielder Megan Rapinoe called out the content critical of LGBTQ issues that the 20-year-old liked and reposted. In addition to that, the newcomer on the team also was the subject of criticism for liking a post that celebrated Rapinoe suffering a torn Achilles in her final game.
Albert later issued an apology on Instagram:
"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media," Albert said. "Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent. I'm really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended. I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize. It's an honor and a privilege to get to play this sport on this world stage and I promise to do better."
MORE: USA roster for SheBelieves Cup 2024
What did Megan Rapinoe say about Korbin Albert's posts?
The posts drew the ire of the two-time World Cup winner Rapinoe, who also took to social media to address the incident.
"For people who want to hide behind 'my beliefs,' I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone," Rapinoe wrote in her story, per Yahoo Sports. "Because if you aren't, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up! Yours truly, #15. For all my trans homies enduring this horrific treatment day in and day out, I see you and hear you and I am WITH YOU."
According to The Athletic, Rapinoe was directing her comments toward the person who now wears her No. 15 shirt, Albert, in addition to focusing on queer lives at stake by either anti-trans commentary or targeted legislation.
While Albert is on the roster for the SheBelieves Cup, it remains to be seen just how much she'll play or whether that No. 15 shirt is redistributed to someone else that Rapinoe deems more deserving.
