Jamie McDonnell didn’t seem to make the best decision in his latest social media post.
Over a million people were imprisoned and executed at the Auschwitz concentration camps during the Holocaust. Many wrongly and unjustifiably suffered as a result of simply being who they are as people, producing some of the cruelest actions and darkest points in the history of humanity.
But judging by his most recent social media post, it looks like someone forgot to tell retired boxer Jamie McDonnell that.
McDonnell took to social media to post photos with his girlfriend in a visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp. The photos show the pair smiling and happy – a complete, and insensitive, contrast to the nature and history that surrounds the location they were out.
Twitter lays into Jamie McDonnell for smiling selfies with girlfriend at Auschwitz concentration camp; McDonnell stands by his actions and says people ‘need to get a life’
Sorry, not much offends me but as someone who is 1) Jewish and 2) been to Auschwitz; this is not the place for happy selfies of selfies of any kind. And 3) who even is Jamie McDonnell? https://t.co/CDROn8RdhR
— scary ass bitch (@horselatitudesx) February 13, 2022
In fairness, I was also annoyed when I saw JamieMcDonnell smiling at Auschwitz, but his follow up arguments about being at a “tourist spot” on “holiday” have me reconsidering.
— Turning Pint (@DefinedPolitik) February 12, 2022
Jamie McDonnell has had an absolute nightmare here hasn't he.
— Hi My Name is Mike 🤘 (@HiMyName1sMike) February 12, 2022
They should do an IQ test before they let people visit Auschwitz. https://t.co/gHV2NMTwC4
Jamie McDonnell after reading out each name on the wall pic.twitter.com/mRWrMHI5yc
— Gøbshite Woakes 🇻🇪 (@ElGobEagle) February 12, 2022
https://twitter.com/IrishBrian25/status/1492600002040020996
If it wasn't for the fact my phone is away getting repaired ( using old phone ) I'd currently be doing a photoshop of that Jamie McDonnell selfie with his lady in front of every disaster in recent years.
— Derek Cooper (@cooperderek) February 12, 2022
Raging. #boxing
There may be a few exceptions but I think most boxers should have adult supervision at all times #JamieMcDonnell
— Danielle C (@Dani1987C) February 12, 2022
Fair to say Jamie Mcdonnell isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer isn’t it?
— Elliot (@elliotJAY) February 12, 2022
https://twitter.com/Transmily/status/1492688598147092480
Jamie McDonnell defending the indefensible 🙄
— Kevin (@WelshSpur07) February 12, 2022
Despite the widespread online criticism, McDonnell has not removed the selfies post as of 10 p.m. ET on Feb. 12.
In fact, McDonnell is defending his actions, stating that he was there with his girlfriend on a weekend holiday — a defense that has seemed to further fuel the flames and controversy.
https://twitter.com/JamieMcdonnell1/status/1492567043966652417
https://twitter.com/JamieMcdonnell1/status/1492508699931328515
https://twitter.com/JamieMcdonnell1/status/1492598590061137924
https://twitter.com/JamieMcdonnell1/status/1492509053549002765
Making his professional boxing debut in 2005, McDonnell won bantamweight gold in the sport several times, first capturing gold on the British, Commonwealth and European levels. He defeated Julio Ceja in 2013 to become IBF bantamweight champion before knocking out Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat the next year to win the WBA title.
McDonnell last competed in boxing in 2019, defeating Cristian Narvaez by decision. He officially retired from the sport a couple of years later.