WWE has announced that they are fining Lars Sullivan $100,000 for the controversial online comments he made in the past, some that were posted after he signed with WWE.
WWE is also putting Sullivan through sensitivity training and WWE will facilitate meetings for Sullivan with various community organizations.
Below is WWE’s full statement on the punishment:
“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.”
As we’ve noted, the comments have been public for some time but they resurfaced last week when a fan compiled them on Reddit, then sent that link to Big E. Big E and Kalisto became the first WWE Superstars to publicly comment on the remarks by Lars. It was revealed last week that a WWE fan contacted Mars candy company, one of WWE’s top sponsors, and complained to them about Lars. The company confirmed that they had reached out to WWE about the situation.
Lars also apologized for the comments last week. His apology read like this: “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.”
For those who missed it, below are the comments from Big E and Kalisto, along with the Reddit thread and the correspondence between Mars and the fan:
The fan wrote the following to Mars with a link to the comments: “Dear Snickers, one of the companies you sponsor, the WWE is heavily featuring a wrestler by the name of Lars Sullivan (portrayed by Dylan Miley) who has made many internet comments praising mass shooters, espousing hatred and mocking black, mentally ill, and gay people. Does that represent Mars as a company? If so, I’ll have to choose a different snack brand that more identifies with American values.”
Mars responded to the fan with the following letter:
“Dear Loyal Consumer,
Thank you for reaching out to Mars Wrigley Confectionaery with your comments.
We learned of Lars Sullivan’s comments recently and share in your shock and disgust. As a values-based company, we find his behavior abhorrent and unacceptable. We have engaged the WWE to discuss this situation and seek to understand what actions they will take to swiftly address this matter.
We hope this information is helpful and wish you a great day!
Your Friends at Mars Wrigley Confectionery”
He just needs to get out of my way….I’m Latino….?? https://t.co/HLIZ6jqLrt
— KALISTO (@KalistoWWE) May 9, 2019
A comprehensive list of links and screenshots regarding Lars Sullivan (compiled by /u/farcevacant) from SquaredCircle
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.
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) May 8, 2019
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