Soccer Stars Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis Get Homophobic Abuse After Sharing Baby News: ‘Very Disappointing’

Soccer stars Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis had the happy news of their forthcoming bundle of joy interrupted by a slew of homophobic comments.

Kerr and Mewis shared on Monday, Nov. 18 that they’re expecting their first baby together after getting engaged last year. Mewis, 33, who played in the National Women’s Soccer League in the U.S. before signing with West Ham United in the U.K. last December, is carrying their child.

But despite their joyous Instagram announcement, which showed Kerr, 31, kissing Mewis’ bump, the couple were sent “hateful” messages.

A Chelsea soccer club spokesperson issued a statement via Reuters regarding the homophobic online abuse the couple received, noting that the organization was aware of the comments it called “unacceptable and hateful.”

“There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters,” the spokesperson said. “We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”

During a news conference on Tuesday, Nov. 19, England’s women’s soccer manager Sarina Wiegman also addressed the comments, adding, “It is very, very disappointing. I’m really happy for them, they look really happy and I hope it all goes well,” Wiegman said, according to USA Today.

Mewis and Kerr, who plays for Australia and Chelsea, announced their engagement in November 2023 after initially being romantically linked during the Tokyo Olympics.

Mewis told PEOPLE at the time that in addition to her family, Kerr has “just been everything” to her. “My biggest supporter, always listening to me nag and complain all, all of my crazy antics,” she said.

In a 2022 interview with GAFFER, the couple opened up about their relationship being long distance at the time.

“It is difficult of course just being away from each other but we have FaceTime,” Mewis told the outlet of how they navigate long distance. “Being in New York is really good because I can kind of just pop over if I get two days off.”

“I think the thing that keeps us going is that we can see an end point. We both just want each other to do so well in our careers. I don’t think you could be in a long distance relationship with someone who didn’t get the sport. She fully gets it and I get it. So we just support each other,” Kerr said at the time.