Gronkowski Rejects Claims of Ties to Turning Point USA
WHO:
WMUR - Turning Point Action, described as Turning Point USA’s political arm, brought celebrities to New Hampshire polling locations as part of a get-out-the-vote effort.
WMUR - Other celebrities seen at polling locations included former Patriots receiver Danny Amendola, boxers Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson, and former Red Sox all-star Kevin Youkilis.
Heavy NFL - Rob Gronkowski, a New England Patriots legend and tight end, issued a statement about Turning Point USA; Camille Kostek is identified as his longtime girlfriend.
TMZ - Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek were the people Gronkowski said were not affiliated with Turning Point USA.
Boston.com News - Rob Gronkowski denied a claim that he teamed up with Turning Point USA.
WHAT:
WMUR - Gronkowski said, “We cannot control what the media has made of it and running with – so we are here to shut down the false narratives.”
WMUR - Gronkowski said he and Kostek stopped at Goffstown High School, crossed the street to greet fans, took photos, and signed items before leaving for another location.
WMUR - Gronkowski said they took photos with people “across the political spectrum” and that their message had always been to “treat everyone with kindness.”
WMUR - Gronkowski said at a press conference, “I just went up to New Hampshire to encourage people to vote.”
WMUR - Turning Point Action’s website described New Hampshire as a focal point of its “Commit to Chase 100 Ballots” initiative, aimed at getting low-propensity voters to vote.
Heavy NFL - Gronkowski denied that he and Kostek are affiliated with Turning Point USA.
TMZ - Gronkowski said he and Kostek are “NOT affiliated with Turning Point USA.”
Boston.com News - Gronkowski denied that he teamed up with Turning Point USA for Election Day appearances. He said, “It’s disappointing to see an innocent moment stripped of context and turned into clickbait.”
Heavy NFL - The New England Patriots are set to honor Gronkowski in connection with his Hall of Fame induction.
WHERE:
WMUR - A News 9 viewer shared a photo of Gronkowski outside Bedford High School posing for photos.
TMZ - The controversy concerned Gronkowski’s Election Day trip to New Hampshire.
WHEN:
Heavy NFL - Gronkowski issued his statement on Thursday, Nov. 5.
WHY:
WMUR - Gronkowski described the narratives about his New Hampshire visit as “upsetting and eye opening.”
Heavy NFL - Gronkowski’s statement responded to controversy surrounding him and Kostek’s alleged affiliation with Turning Point USA.
TMZ - Gronkowski addressed the issue after controversy over his New Hampshire trip.
Boston.com News - Gronkowski described the claim as upsetting and said an innocent moment had been taken out of context and turned into clickbait.
HOW:
WMUR - Voters reported receiving text messages before Election Day teasing celebrity visits to polling locations.
Heavy NFL - Gronkowski issued a statement.
TMZ - Gronkowski addressed the matter on Instagram.
Rob Gronkowski denied teaming up with Turning Point USA during his New Hampshire visit. He said he and Camille Kostek stopped to greet fans and encourage voting. Turning Point Action brought celebrities to polling locations as part of its get-out-the-vote effort.