In a statement issued today, WWE responded to Lars Sullivan’s past racist, homophobic, and offensive message board posts.
“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,” WWE’s statement said.
“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.”
Sullivan’s offensive Bodybuilding.com forum posts were first uncovered in November 2018 and received renewed attention when compiled into a Reddit thread last week.
Last Friday, Sullivan apologized for the posts via a statement that was issued through WWE: “There is no excuse for the inappropriate remarks that I made years ago. They do not reflect my personal beliefs nor who I am today, and I apologize to anyone I offended.”
Prior to Sullivan’s apology, Big E and Kalisto responded on Twitter when asked about Sullivan’s posts. Big E wrote: “Many are aware. If true, he has to bear the albatross of being a bigot & working in a company that is now filled with minorities.”
Kalisto wrote: “He just needs to get out of my way….I’m Latino….” Kalisto’s tweet has since been deleted.