Olivia Dunne's 12 seconds at Kentucky Derby earns harsh criticism

In the United States, over the weekend of May 2025, Olivia Dunne, a popular influencer and former gymnast, attended the Kentucky Derby and its related events. During this high-profile occasion, she was given the important role of delivering the ceremonial 'Riders Up' command, which signals jockeys to mount their horses. However, her performance, lasting only 12 seconds, was met with significant criticism, with many describing it as unprofessional and poorly executed; some noted that her public speaking skills were lacking, and others pointed out that the audience's reaction was underwhelming and unenthusiastic. Dunne's performance became a topic of conversation on social media, further complicating her situation. While she has a strong fan base and is known for her stunning looks, the negative reactions raised questions about her preparedness for such a public appearance. Some commentators argued that despite her popularity as an influencer, she could not deliver on such a critical moment at a prestigious event like the Kentucky Derby. The backlash included comments discussing her outfit and her ability to handle the crowd, both of which influenced perceptions of her credibility as a public figure. In an attempt to address the feedback, Olivia Dunne later explained that the technical difficulties, particularly the echo from the microphone, contributed to her rough execution during the command. She insisted that the experience was not entirely reflective of her abilities, an explanation that many supporters found defensible. Furthermore, following this incident, Dunne quickly shifted her focus to creating new content and seemed to recover well from the criticism, as evidenced by her subsequent appearances and vacation selfies shared online. In light of the situation, Olivia Dunne's weekend wasn’t solely defined by the performance mishap. After the Derby, she transitioned to a more familiar environment, enjoying some time at a Florida beach, where she showcased her confidence and maintained a positive outlook. This transition highlights her resilience as a social media influencer, demonstrating her intention to move past difficult moments and capitalize on her brand effectively. Overall, while the Kentucky Derby event may have started poorly for Dunne, it appears her ability to rebound rapidly is a testament to her adaptability within the influencer culture.