Lars Sullivan fined by WWE, will complete sensitivity training
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.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.