CrossFit 'guru' incites fury over headstand at Berlin Holocaust memorial

On Tuesday Driskell took to Instagram again, this time to apologize and confirm that he did not know that he had been on hallowed ground.

By GIDEON GOREN
Updated: AUGUST 11, 2015 18:07
David Driskell (photo credit: INSTAGRAM SCREENSHOT)
David Driskell
(photo credit: INSTAGRAM SCREENSHOT)
A popular CrossFit figure, described by some as a "guru," has apologized after uploading to Instagram what many have called an insensitive picture of himself  at a Holocaust memorial in Berlin.
Dave Driskell, whose Instagram account shows numerous photos of himself doing headstands in various countries, is seen in the photo, uploaded Monday, striking one of his signature  poses at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
The post was quickly met with criticism from Driskell's Instagram followers. Some told Driskell that he was committing "social media suicide" while others responded with a simple "Not cool." Still there were those who defended the self described "inspirer/CrossFit coach," who resides in Bali and travels the globe, saying that he simply was not aware of the site's significance.
On Tuesday Driskell took to Instagram again, this time to apologize and confirm that he did not know that he had been on hallowed ground.
"I'd like to apologize for any offense the last picture I posted has caused," Driskell wrote, explaining that other "people were walking on the pillars. Kids running around. People sitting on them."
"It wasn't until later tonight at the airport that I realized my error in understanding what this structure was."

 

I'd like to apologize for any offense the last picture I posted has caused. I had a quick layover in Berlin today with a good friend and we walked all around the city looking at and enjoying all the beauty it has to offer. We walked near this memorial not knowing what it was at the time. People were walking on the pillars. Kids running around. People sitting on them. It was gorgeous and looked visually stunning. As with all things like this I wanted a picture next to it, as I have been doing for years. I took a handstand picture with it as the background. I truly did not know what the structure was. I feel completely terrible as I would never purposely offend or disrespect this memorial had I known. I posted the picture using the wifi from a local cafe and then went back to exploring the city. It wasn't until later tonight at the airport that I realized my error in understanding what this structure was. I've been doing handstands all over the world since I started this amazing wanderlust adventure that has inspired people all over the world. Earlier this year I flew to India to help with a charitable event which raised over $24,000.00 to help the orphans and needy in India. I love to promote fitness and inspire people to do something different than the norm: To be epic. To be fit. To help others. To chase happiness. To show love! I love all and strive to show that through my passions of travel and fitness. Again I apologize for this horrible misunderstanding and any offense this might have caused. Anyone who knows me, knows this is the complete opposite of what I would want. I respectfully ask your forgiveness Dave Driskell.

A photo posted by Dave Driskell (@davedriskell) on



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