Lars Sullivan, the former WWE wrestler, has once again found himself at the center of controversy following a series of offensive posts on social media. The incident, occurring on , has reignited scrutiny of Sullivan’s past behavior and raised questions about his continued online presence.
The latest backlash stems from Sullivan’s reaction to a viral video originating from an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota. The video depicted protestors mistakenly targeting a driver they believed to be a counter-protester, pelting his vehicle with adult toys. As the driver repeatedly stated he was on their side, the clip quickly gained traction online for its bizarre nature. Sullivan’s response, however, was far from lighthearted. He quoted the video and posted a derogatory slur, writing “Literal retards.”
This incident is not isolated. The post immediately drew criticism and brought renewed attention to a previously deleted tweet from , where Sullivan attacked WWE Champion Big E and the Black Lives Matter movement. In that tweet, Sullivan questioned Big E’s activism, writing, “Remember when this idiot went on a virtue signaling warpath in 2020? Why did this clown stop promoting BLM? It’s not fashionable anymore? Or did he realize that it’s a corrupt, racist organization that promotes a false narrative that fuels anti white hate?”
Sullivan’s history with controversial statements dates back to his time with WWE. Prior to his departure in 2021, he was fined $100,000 after old message board posts surfaced containing racist, sexist, and homophobic language. These posts revealed a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric that ultimately led to significant repercussions within the professional wrestling organization.
The resurfacing of these incidents raises questions about accountability and the responsibility of public figures, particularly those with a platform as large as Sullivan’s once was within WWE. While no longer under the WWE umbrella, his online activity continues to generate negative attention and fuels a debate about the consequences of expressing hateful views.
The initial incident in Minnesota, while unusual in its presentation, highlights the often-charged atmosphere surrounding protests and the potential for misidentification and escalation. However, Sullivan’s reaction deliberately shifted the focus away from the event itself and onto a hateful and offensive remark. This choice underscores a pattern of behavior that has consistently drawn condemnation.
The timing of these resurfaced controversies is notable. With the professional wrestling landscape constantly evolving, and discussions around inclusivity and social responsibility gaining prominence, Sullivan’s actions stand in stark contrast to the values many organizations are attempting to promote. His continued engagement in inflammatory rhetoric risks further damaging his reputation and limiting potential opportunities within the entertainment industry.
The incident also prompts a broader conversation about the role of social media in amplifying harmful speech. While platforms like X (formerly Twitter) allow for open expression, they also provide a space for the rapid dissemination of hateful content. The speed at which Sullivan’s post circulated and the immediate backlash it received demonstrate the power of social media to both expose and condemn problematic behavior.
Sullivan’s past with WWE was marked by promise, as he possessed a unique physical presence and a compelling in-ring style. However, his off-screen conduct consistently overshadowed his athletic abilities. The $100,000 fine served as a clear message from WWE regarding unacceptable behavior, but the organization parted ways with him in 2021.
The current situation suggests that Sullivan has not fully addressed the issues that led to his previous controversies. His recent posts indicate a continued willingness to engage in inflammatory rhetoric, raising concerns about his personal growth and his understanding of the impact of his words. The question now becomes whether he will face further consequences for his actions, and whether he will ultimately take responsibility for the harm caused by his offensive statements.
As of , Sullivan has not issued a public apology or explanation for his recent posts. The lack of remorse further exacerbates the situation and reinforces the perception that he remains unrepentant for his past and present behavior.
