Multiple wrestling sources have received news from WWE that current star and recent NXT call-up Lars Sullivan has been fined $100,000 for controversial comments he made on body building forums when he was younger.
The comments have been traced to forums on bodybuilding.com between the years of 2007 and 2013 but had been dug up late last year and forgotten about until last week when prominent star and New Day member Big E responded to a fan’s tweet about said comments.
Big E responded diplomatically with, “Many are aware. If true he will have to bear the albatross of being a bigot and working in a company full of minorities.”
It appears WWE have also taken notice of Sullivan’s actions and have fined Sullivan $100,000 whilst also demanding the complete sensitivity training. WWE are requesting he meets with community organisations to address the impact of social media and comments made on it.
It has been reported that the lack of a response to Sullivan’s comments had drawn the attention of WWE major sponsor Mars Wrigley, as well as criticism from fans around the world.
Both Forbes and Wrestling Inc have published a statement that they had received from the WWE:
“WWE supports a culture of inclusion regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation, and we are committed to embracing all individuals as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.
Dylan Miley (aka Lars Sullivan) will be fined $100,000 and required to complete sensitivity training for offensive commentary uncovered from his past. WWE will also facilitate meetings for Dylan with community organizations to foster further discussion around the power of social media and the impact of your words.”
(All images and videos courtesy of wwe.com)