Student Behind Controversial “Go Back” Remark Shocks Nation with Unexpected Revelation and Bold Action
Turning Point USA shows never fail to stir the pot, but the October 14 gig at the University of Minnesota might just take the cake. Picture this: Riley Gaines, conservative firebrand and ex-collegiate swimmer, famously tangled with student protesters over her views on transgender athletes. But wait—things got downright spicy when a student told liberal activist Derek Torstenson to “go back to your own country,” sparking a viral storm. Now, here’s the kicker—the student not only apologized but made a surprising move to own up to her “entitlement,” while Torstenson himself faces heat over his antics. Who knew campus protests could deliver such a cocktail of controversy and unexpected humility? Ready to unpack this drama and the twists it took? Let’s dive in.
Turning Point USA gatherings have a history of sparking controversy, and its October 14 stop at the University of Minnesota was no exception.
Riley Gaines, an American conservative activist and former collegiate swimmer, was a keynote speaker but faced protests from students over her past remarks on transgender athletes’ participation in sports.
- A girl apologized after facing backlash for telling a protester to “go back to your own country.
- The University of St. Thomas confirmed she had withdrawn from her classes.
- Derek Torstenson criticized her apology while addressing allegations about his own conduct.
Derek Torstenson, a liberal activist of European descent, was among the demonstrators, however, he went viral not for his involvement in the protest but after a girl was caught on video telling him to “go back to your own country.”
The student who made the remark has now apologized and taken an unexpected step to address what social media users described as her “entitlement.”
The student who made a xenophobic remark against a protester has broken her silence and made a drastic move
The girl’s name has not been publicly revealed, but she was identified as a nursing student at nearby St. Thomas University.
She released a statement through her institution on Tuesday, October 20, which was obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
“What I said and did was wrong, and I understand that my actions caused hurt and disappointment. Regardless of the circumstances, I should have handled the situation with respect, and I take full responsibility for my behavior,” she began.
“I am truly sorry.”
In her statement, the student acknowledged that her “actions have consequences.”
She added that she was “committed to educating myself and better understanding how my words and actions affect others.”
The student assured those she had “hurt or disappointed” that she would use the experience as an “opportunity to grow and do better moving forward.”
Meanwhile, the University of St. Thomas revealed that the student had withdrawn from her classes.
@avajenderseeeI want to sincerely apologize for my actions during the situation with the protesters. What I said and did was wrong, and I understand that my actions caused hurt and disappointment. Regardless of the circumstances, I should have handled the situation with respect, and I take full responsibility for my behavior. I am truly sorry. I understand that everyone has the right to express their opinions, even when we disagree. My actions did not reflect the respect and understanding that others deserve, and I recognize the importance of acknowledging the harm my words and actions can cause. I understand that my actions have consequences, and I take responsibility for that. I know I have a lot to learn from this experience, and I am committed to educating myself and better understanding how my words and actions affect others. I sincerely apologize to those I have hurt or disappointed, and I will use this experience as an opportunity to grow and do better moving forward.♬ Paper Moon Static – Marnie Cusk
The institution previously said the student’s views did not align with its core principles
After the video of the girl’s confrontation with Torstenson sparked backlash, the University of St. Thomas said it was aware of the incident.
The institution added that it had been looking into the matter, but that student privacy laws prevented it from publicly discussing any action being planned against her.
The school went on to note that “the language heard in the video is inconsistent with the university’s values and convictions.”
“As a Catholic university, we have a responsibility to provide a welcoming environment for all and do not condone hateful language being used by anyone in our university community,” its statement continued.
The university said it would address the incident “in accordance with the student code of conduct.”
“As always, our first priority is supporting our students. To our Tommies, we hear you and will continue providing support and working to build a university community that respects the dignity of each person,” they concluded.
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