Fame is a double-edged sword for 21-year-old Sunisa Lee. After the gymnast recently got her hands on two podium finishes at the Olympic stage, the world’s attention was diverted toward aspects of her life that she’d rather keep private. One major question fans wanted answered was about Lee’s personal life. 

While she did tell the world about her beau, what was not expected was the endless slander that followed. For those uninitiated, Suni Lee is in a romantic relationship with Jaylin Smith, as per Team USA’s official website.

Though it’s unclear when the two began seeing one another, they became social media official in 2021.

Jaylin Smith is a senior at the University of Southern California and budding footballer, currently on contract with the USC Trojans. Hailing from Palmdale, California, the 20-year-old specializes as a cornerback, and is already a star in the NCAA circuit. Smith is currently pursuing his major in communication and has a praiseworthy football career. In his collegiate career, Smith has recorded 123 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups, an INT, and a QB hurry. Before the commencement of the current session, Jaylin Smith donned the USC Trojans color 33 times, while starting on 22 occasions. 

Before coming to the forefront as a reputed footballer, Jaylin Smith was featured in a Snoop Dogg Netflix documentary. The series was called ‘Coach Snoop’ and revolved around a young football team and their quest to win the national title with the teenagers. Smith, going by the name ‘J-Roc’ became an instant hit on the show.

It was also reported that Smith lost his mother to a hit-and-run incident when he was young.

 However, even a glittering career couldn’t save the couple from online hate. 

Why did Suni Lee Face harsh criticism for dating the USC star? 

As reported earlier, Suni Lee made her relationship Instagram official by posting several pictures with Jaylin Smith. Unfortunately, soon after her revelation, Lee was shocked to find out the amount of racial backlash they faced. 

Belonging to the Hmong American community residing in Minnesota—an indigenous group from East Asia and Southeast Asia—Suni Lee had several comments hating on her for the interracial status of her relationship, compelling her to delete the post. Notably, Lee was just 18 when the incident unfolded, which makes it even more heartbreaking.

The gymnast talked about the ordeal in 2022 when a TikTok user posted a message sharing her support. 

The post read, “I know that Sunisa will be judged by certain eyes in the Hmong Community because her man is Black. LOVE is LOVE, no matter what race or gender you are. Keep doing you QUEEN.” 

It was later reposted by the US gymnast, who wrote, “I’ve received so much hate😭 they support me when it’s beneficial for them never when it comes to my happiness. thank you!💗.”

Furthermore, in an interview with Pop Sugar in 2021, Lee spoke about the hate comments she received while she was with her friends waiting for an Uber. Not only did the group of people hurl racist comments, but they also pepper-sprayed on her arm.

“I was so mad, but there was nothing I could do or control because they skirted off. I didn’t do anything to them, and having the reputation, it’s so hard because I didn’t want to do anything that could get me into trouble. I just let it happen,” Lee said. 

Well, even though Lee initially faced significant hate, her Paris 2024 performance is surely a fitting reply to all her haters.