Rob Gronkowski has denied being affiliated with Turning Point USA after an Election Day appearance in New Hampshire prompted speculation about his political links.
The former American football player addressed the controversy on his Instagram Story on Thursday, several days after footage showed him waving flags and signing items near a Turning Point USA tent.
Gronkowski said he and Camille Kostek had stopped at Goffstown High School before crossing the road to greet fans who had called out their names. They took photographs, signed items and then left for their next stop.
He said the pair had interacted with people from across the political spectrum that morning, and objected to the way the encounter had been presented.
“We are here to shut down the false narratives,” Gronkowski wrote, describing the incident as “an innocent moment stripped of context and turned into clickbait”.
He added that their message had always been about treating everyone with kindness.
A Turning Point spokesperson told CBS Boston that Gronkowski was not with the organisation’s group, although he had walked past its tent.
The appearance nevertheless saw Gronkowski and Kostek photographed with Republican Kelly Ayotte, who was seeking re-election as governor, in Bedford. A Republican state representative candidate also said Gronkowski signed one of his campaign signs in Goffstown.
Bedford police warned voters of heavy traffic at polling stations where Gronkowski was greeting people.
Gronkowski is due to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame at Gillette Stadium on Saturday.
