Camille Kostek reacts to Rob Gronkowski’s political controversy after former Patriots star faces New Hampshire speculation

Rob Gronkowski has rejected claims that he and Camille Kostek were supporting Turning Point USA during their Election Day visit to New Hampshire. The former New England Patriots tight end said the speculation was “upsetting and eye opening” after photos of the couple near a tent bearing the conservative group's logo began circulating online. Kostek, meanwhile, reposted Gronkowski's statement on Instagram, signaling her support for his response. The couple said they were simply greeting fans and taking pictures, not campaigning for a political organization.Camille Kostek backs Rob Gronkowski after political speculationGronkowski's statement came two days after the couple's appearance at polling locations in New Hampshire on November 3. The former NFL star and Kostek greeted fans, signed jerseys and posed for photos. Some of those interactions took place near a tent displaying the Turning Point USA logo, which led to questions about their political leanings.However, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA told CBS News that Gronkowski was not part of the organization's group. The spokesperson said the former tight end had walked past the tent.That distinction became central to Gronkowski's response. He wanted to make it clear that being photographed near the group did not mean he supported its political work.“It has been upsetting and eye opening to see the narratives around my visit to NH on Election Day with Camille,” Gronkowski said on Instagram on November 5.He then addressed the speculation directly.“In regard to the images and videos circulating we are not endorsed by or affiliated with Turning Point USA.”Kostek reposted his statement to her Instagram Story later that day. Her response was brief, but it showed that she stood behind Gronkowski as the couple tried to clear up the confusion.The incident also highlights how a few images can quickly shape public perception. A photo taken during an ordinary interaction may tell only part of the story, especially when it involves a public figure and a politically active organization.Gronkowski explains what happened in New HampshireGronkowski offered more detail about the visit, saying the couple had stopped at Goffstown High School before crossing the street to meet fans.“After stopping at Goffstown high school we crossed the street to greet excited fans yelling out our names before leaving to the next location. We simply took some pictures and I signed some things for them before leaving.”He also stressed that the couple had interacted with people from different political backgrounds that morning.The former Patriots star said they “took photos with people across the political spectrum throughout that morning” and added, “We cannot control what the media has made of it and running with — so we are here to shut down the false narratives.”Gronkowski was particularly unhappy with how the images had been presented. He called it “disappointing to see an innocent moment stripped of context and turned into clickbait.”He ended his message with a broader appeal, saying, “Our message has always been and always will be to treat everyone with kindness and hope you all will do the same.”New Hampshire voters were deciding two major races on Election Day, including a vacant U.S. Senate seat and the governor's race. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte narrowly defeated Democrat Cinde Warmington, while Chris Pappas defeated John Sununu to become the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate.Against that political backdrop, Gronkowski and Kostek's appearance drew attention they say they never intended to attract. Their statement makes one thing clear: the couple wants their interactions with fans to remain separate from political endorsements.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.