WWE released a statement this afternoon announcing that SmackDown Live superstar Lars Sullivan has been fined $100,000 for his past racist and homophobic remarks on an internet message boards years before signing a WWE contract and that Sullivan, real name Dylan Miley, will also be required to complete sensitivity training.
The statement reads, “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.”
Sullivan issued his own statement on May 10th, prior to WWE fining him and requiring him to undergo sensitivity training which read, “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.”