Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn Faces Online Backlash Over $120 Hoodies

Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn has launched a new clothing line, Raygun Threads, featuring hoodies priced at A$120, which have drawn significant criticism and online mockery. The venture follows the release of a Netflix documentary about her experience at the Paris 2024 Games.

Social media users have questioned the high price point and the style of the garments. Comments on platforms like Facebook have ranged from skepticism about sales numbers to critiques of the fashion aesthetic. Some suggested the items might appeal as novelty gifts, while others made pointed remarks linking the clothing to Gunn's performance at the Olympics, particularly her kangaroo-inspired move.

One Facebook user commented, "Man, she's gonna [sic] sell ten of these!" Another remarked, "Not sure the daggy auntie look is that popular." The criticism escalated with some users suggesting humorous, and critical, product extensions related to her Olympic performance.

The Raygun Threads collection includes black hoodies with branding on the front and sleeves for A$120. Adult T-shirts in black or pale green are priced at A$60, with children's shirts at A$50. Accessories such as keyrings and stubby coolers are available for A$15 each.

Gunn herself modeled the collection in promotional images and a video shared on the brand's Instagram account. The label describes its products as "tees, hoodies, and more made for car karaoke, living room dance floors, and hugging loved ones."

The clothing launch coincides with the release of Netflix's documentary "Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly," which explores Gunn's Olympic journey and the personal toll of the backlash she faced. The documentary details her struggle with public ridicule and false claims about her qualification for the Games.

In the documentary, Gunn describes the emotional impact of the widespread criticism, stating, "There was nothing that I could do that could please people. So I started doing these video diaries - I just made them for myself." She also recounted feeling her life was "crumbling" and that she was "just trying to get through the day."

Gunn's husband and coach, Samuel Free, also addressed false claims that he had influenced her Olympic selection, clarifying that he was not involved in any selection committees.

Despite the negative reception to her clothing line and the challenges documented in the film, Gunn expressed that she did not regret participating in the Paris Olympics, believing she would have regretted not taking the opportunity more than enduring the subsequent difficulties.