HEATHER MCMAHAN has broken her silence on the backlash she received for her part in vile chants aimed towards Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup.
The American actress and comedian stepped down from her role as first tee MC after allegedly encouraging chants of “f*** you Rory” on Saturday.
Heather McMahan has suggested she was subjected to a ‘witch-hunt’ for her part in Rory McIlroy chants on Saturday[/caption]
McIlroy, 36, overcame the abuse to help Team Europe achieve a 15-13 victory at Bethpage Black, New York.
A spokesperson for the PGA of America confirmed McMahan, 38, had extended an apology for the incident.
However, McMahan has now suggested she was made a scapegoat for the outbursts of many of the other poorly behaved attendees.
Responding to social media influencer Pamela Wurst Vetrini, who had posted a video in support of McMahan, she clarified: “It’s [sic] was a really tough scene.
“I did not start the chant, but I deeply regret responding back to the crowd.
“I apologized but I agree it [was a] little Salem-witch-esque blaming me for the New York sports scene.”
In Vetrini’s social media post, she had argued: “Let me get this straight, thousands of men behaved poorly.
“They were screaming expletives; they were throwing things at women.
“The U.S. played poorly.
“The whole U.S. team performed poorly.
“And all of it is because of one female comedian.
“You have got to be kidding me.”
McIlroy was subjected to heckling from the crowd throughout the day.
The Northern Irishman stepped away from his shot twice at the sixth hole, enduring boos before waiting four minutes for the atmosphere to calm enough to play.
He eventually made par from 34 feet, and several disruptive spectators were removed from the event.
Another fan incident saw McIlroy demand a spectator be thrown out of the Ryder Cup after directing a sick slur at him.
The vile recording from the crowd saw the reigning Masters champion called a “f*****”, to which he immediately responded by pointing them out to security and demanding their removal.
Even his wife Erica, was affected as she was hit by a beer from the crowd while walking with her husband.
Team Europe captain Luke Donald accused the crowd of “crossing the line”.
