35-year-old professional wrestler Darren Young (real name Fred Rosser) has taken to Twitter to air his distain for WWE's decision to tour the United Arab Emirates, a country where homosexuality is a crime.
Why do we bring the best entertainment into a country like abu dhabi and they look down upon women and gays? I get it! #MillionsofDollars
Young made headlines in 2013 when he came out to TMZ, becoming the first ever openly gay performer in WWE history.
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Moments after Young deleted the tweet, he posted the following responses:
My freedom of speech is gone. Gone but not forgotten.
I feel like no none has my back and it upsets me. The struggle is real. I'm human.
This drew a lot of support from fans online:
@DarrenYoungWWE you have so many backs that you aren't noticing that people have yours. They do.
@DarrenYoungWWE You're a real inspiration to a lot of fans including myself, and it's just from you being you. I & we all got your back :)
@DarrenYoungWWE Props to you for speaking your mind. You have my respect.
@DarrenYoungWWE we have your back!
Including from WWE performers Sean "X-Pac" Waltman and Lance Storm.
@DarrenYoungWWE 1 more right here that has your back!
I hope @DarrenYoungWWE is feeling the love and support tonight. A lot of people showing support. Stay strong brother.
WWE has since released a statement regarding Young’s comments, stating they're going ahead with the tour.
WWE does not discriminate against individuals regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation, and we continue to proudly support Fred Rosser (aka WWE Superstar Darren Young) for being open about his sexuality.Unfortunately, WWE cannot change cultures and laws around the world, and thus we did not send Fred Rosser to the United Arab Emirates for our upcoming events for his own protection.WWE also fully supports Fred Rosser's right to express his views on personal social media accounts rather than WWE's corporate platforms.