While Dana believes that losing his UFC seat would not be a punishment, Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel was criticized by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus after an unauthorized video of the boss attacking his wife during a New Years Eve celebration in Mexico.
In a letter sent to Emanuel, the prominent Golden State political group stated that “Each day Mr. White’s acts go unaccountedfor, your silence becomes more perplexing and troubling.”
“In all the days that have passed since the video’s release, you have been silent,” stated Senator Nancy Skinner and Cecilia Aguiar Curry, group chair, on behalf 17 female state senators, and 32 state Assemblywomen.
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They noted that “your continued silence speaks volumes”, before turning Mel Gibson’s and Kanye West critic Emanuel’s words against him. “As you wrote once: ‘Silence or inaction are not an alternative.’
The correspondence states that “at this point, thousands upon thousands of young women and men around the world have seen the video footage of Mr. White striking his spouse.” We have seen his apology. We have yet to see any consequence for his actions. You are the Chief Executive Officer at Endeavor, U.F.C.’s parent company. This gives you the power to choose who will lead the U.F.C. which has millions of viewers around the globe. White is more than just the face of U.F.C. – he sets the expectations for athletes.” The scathing correspondence was about Endeavor’s lucrative pro wrestling franchise.
Endeavor representatives have not made any comment about White since last week’s NYE viral video. Deadline reached out to the company today for clarification on White’s latest episode in an egregious tale.
White had other thoughts and shared them with journalists ahead of UFC Fight Night 217 on January 14. White said that he has been severely punished and that his departure would be a more devastating blow to everyone.
What should be the consequences? Tell me. White asked journalists at Wednesday’s media conference, “I take 30 days off?” White asked reporters at a Wednesday media event, “How is that going to affect me?” My departure hurts my company. It hurts me and my colleagues. Hurts fighters. It doesn’t hurt me.
Do I have to think? “No, you don’t have to reflect. I own it. “I’m lying to you,” he said – which you can view in the video below.
White admitted that he had been discussing the incident with Emanuel, and that “nobody wants this.”
Many people (media, fighters and friends) who used to respect me may not now respect me. It’s going to be a long, difficult road.
California lawmakers and others pointed out that Emanuel often defended a moral highground as he created Endeavor. He most recently called on businesses doing business with Kanye to stop collaborating with him after a rant against Jews. After racist remarks, he cut all ties to Mel Gibson, a WME client in 2010.
We believed Endeavor and U.F.C. could be a good fit, given Mr. White’s past comments against domestic violence. “We shared this commitment towards safety, respect and accountability,” stated the letter of the bipartisan caucus, Emanuel, on January 9. “You have spoken out about how important it is to act and speak up when things aren’t in accordance with our values,” said Senator Skinner and vice-chair Assemblywoman Aguiar Curry to Emanuel. We have yet to see the U.F.C. video. President Dana White strikes his wife with a closed fist at a New Years Eve party. We were appalled. This was shocking to say the very least.
TMZ posted footage of White and Anne getting into an argument at Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. The video shows White pulling Anne’s wrist after grabbing her wrist. White then hits his wife in the face, before they are both separated by partygoers.
TBS delayed White’s Power Slapping League premiere until January 18 as a result of this incident. White’s wife was not hurt by the delay, nor has it hindered him from promoting his venture via social media.