HuffPost Senior Reporter Monica Torres Faces Intense Online Backlash Over Controversial Olympics Article
Monica Torres, a senior reporter at HuffPost, is confronting significant criticism across social media platforms following the publication of an article about the Olympics that has upset numerous readers. On February 21, 2026, HuffPost released her piece titled, “There’s A Name For The Discomfort You’re Feeling Watching The Olympics Right Now.” The tagline accompanying the article stated, “If waving the American flag or chanting ‘USA!’ turns you off right now, you’re not alone.”
Social Media Erupts with Emotional Reactions
These lines rapidly circulated on various social media channels, igniting a firestorm of responses. Many users expressed that the headline felt unpatriotic, particularly during a period when Team USA was actively winning medals at the Olympic Games. The reaction has been notably strong and emotionally charged, with critics accusing the article of being out of touch with mainstream sentiments. As of the latest updates, neither Monica Torres nor HuffPost has issued a public response to address the growing controversy.
Who Is Monica Torres? Background and Career Highlights
Monica Torres serves as a senior reporter on HuffPost’s Life team, where she focuses on covering anxiety, technology, and wellness trends, according to her official bio on HuffPost and her personal website. Her professional responsibilities include writing daily news stories, career advice pieces, and explanatory articles. Torres is an alumna of New York University’s Studio 20: New Media and Digital Innovation program. She also participated in the Poynter Institute’s 2016 Diversity in Digital Leadership class and was a recipient of Williams College’s 2013 Jones Fellowship in Journalism. Her journalistic work has been featured in prominent publications such as Quartz, Slate, Fusion, Real Life Magazine, and The Hairpin.
Content of the Controversial Article and Key Quotes
In the article published on February 21, Torres delved into the concept that some Americans might experience mixed emotions while watching Team USA compete in the Olympics. She connected the celebration of Olympic victories with ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions taking place within the United States. The piece included commentary from U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess, who remarked, “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of. Wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything going on in the U.S.” Hess’s earlier statements had previously attracted attention from political leaders, adding another layer to the discussion.
Additionally, Torres quoted clinical psychologist Tanisha Ranger, who provided an explanation of the term “cognitive dissonance.” Ranger described it as a psychological phenomenon that “happens when someone holds two conflicting beliefs or values at the same time, or they are engaging in behaviors that contradict their values.” The article explored how this internal tension can impact both the mind and body, offering suggestions for managing such feelings while continuing to support American athletes.
Focus of Online Anger and Public Reactions
Despite the nuanced content of the full article, much of the online anger has concentrated on the headline and tagline rather than the detailed analysis within. Some users have argued that millions of Americans proudly chant “USA” and felt the piece dismissed or undermined that sense of national pride. The backlash escalated when a restaurant, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, posted a sharp public reply directed at the writer, using explicit language to express disapproval. Currently, the controversy continues to unfold across digital platforms, with no official statement yet released by Torres or HuffPost to clarify or address the situation.
