WWE wrestler Rhea Ripley apologises for using gay slur
WWE star Rhea Ripley has apologised for using a gay slur (WWE)
WWE wrestler Rhea Ripley has issued an apology after she used a gay slur during a live stream.
In a clip of the live stream circulated on Twitter, Ripley can be heard telling a fan that they are “a stupid motherf***ing f****t.”
She used the slur as a part of a gimmick where fans are insulted by wrestlers if they tip $15, according to Fightful.
LGBT+ fans of Rhea Ripley were disappointed in the wrestler for using the slur
The 22-year-old wrestling star was met swift backlash online for using the gay slur and promptly issued an apology on Twitter on Thursday (April 25).
“I know a lot of you are upset with me after tonight, but I just wanted to publically [sic] say that I am sorry,” Ripley wrote.
— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) 25 April 2019
“My brain to mouth filter came down for a second and I forgot that some words are a big no no to a lot of people.
“I know a lot of you are upset with me after tonight, but I just wanted to publically [sic] say that I am sorry. My brain to mouth filter came down for a second and I forgot that some words are a big no no to a lot of people.”
– WWE wrestler Rhea Ripley,
“I am a firm believer that everyone should be treated equally, whether that be race or sexual orientation.
“With that said, I just wanted to say how dearly sorry I am to everyone that was offended by my choice of words tonight,” she finished.
WWE wrestler Rhea Ripley issued an apology after she used a gay slur during a livestream (YouTube)
‘You’re holding yourself accountable for what was said’
Most fans seemed to accept Ripley’s apology. One replied: “You are human and, sometimes, we make mistakes like everyone else, you are not the only one who has said things without thinking them. We are not all perfect.”
Another said: “Accountability goes a long way. You’re holding yourself accountable for what was said. Think most of us understand that sometimes our mouth and brain aren’t on the same page and we just say things, assuming it would be taken as humour and not serious.”
Some fans were less impressed with her apology. One Twitter user replied: “‘A big no-no to a lot of people’ mate… this ain’t it.”
Ripley—whose real name is Demi Bennett—is currently signed with WWE as part of their NXT UK brand.
The Australian made her Melbourne City Wrestling debut in 2014, and ultimately signed with WWE in 2017.
