USWNT midfielder apologizes for social media posts after Megan Rapinoe calls out 'hate'

U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Korbin Albert has issued an apology for liking and sharing several "offensive, insensitive and hurtful" social media posts after she was called out publicly by former USWNT star Megan Rapinoe.

In an Instagram story post Thursday night, Albert called her actions "immature and disrespectful" and said she was "deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended."

The controversy stemmed from some anti-LGBTQ content Albert shared on TikTok.

Rapinoe − who won two women's World Cups and a 2012 Olympic gold medal with the USWNT before retiring from soccer last year − subsequently made a post on social media criticizing "people who want to hide behind 'my beliefs'" and promote hatred toward other people.

"I would just ask one question," Rapinoe continued, "are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone?

“.... because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate."

Rapinoe signed her Instagram story post: "Yours truly, #15."

The jersey number was the one Rapinoe wore during her 18-year career with the national team. It's also the number Albert, 20, was given when she made her USWNT debut in December.

Longtime USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn reposted Rapinoe's story, as did other team members including Sam Mewis, Kristie Mewis and Lynn Williams.

The U.S. women, with Albert on the roster, are back in action April 6 against Japan in the semifinals of the SheBelieves Cup.