July 23, 2020
Watch: After Anti-LGBTQ TikTok Tirade, Promoter Drops Boxer James Hawley
Kevin Schattenkirk READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Promoter MTK Global has dropped 21-year-old British boxer James Hawley after he posted a homophobic and transphobic diatribe on TikTok, The Daily Mail reports.
Responding to the question "do you support LGBT" {sic}, Hawley responded:
"I 1,000, 1million per cent do not agree with this stuff. Listen, I can understand girls get with each other all the time at parties and all things like that.
I don't care, not a problem. I'd want them to get with each other in front of me.
But boys on the other hand, and transgenders, there's something seriously wrong with you. What in the earth makes you want to change your gender and get f***** in the a***.
What is up with you dirty c****. I feel sorry for your families."
After being alerted to Hawley's video, MTK responded by stating Hawley's contract was terminated immediately and the promoter would "no longer represent him in any format." Their statement continues:
"The boxing community is about respect and unity and MTK Global prides itself on its community focus and inclusive ethos.
It has always been our mission to make boxing accessible to all, embracing individuality and being a safe space where community can express themselves and support one another.
MTK Global does not in any way condone, or support the views that were shared in any way, nor will these comments ever be considered as acceptable from any of our fighters hence the decision that was made by management."
Watch the clip below, shared by "RuPaul's Drag Race U.K." contestant Baga Chips.
Kevin Schattenkirk is an ethnomusicologist and pop music aficionado.
