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UFC President Dana White did not offer any excuses for his wife’s slap on New Years Eve. White’s behavior has not been condemned by MMA fighters, media personnel, and MMA enthusiasts.
TMZ published a Monday video in which White slapped Anne while they were out in Cabo Santa Lucas, Mexico. TMZ released an interview in which White talked about the incident.
TMZ representatives tried to excuse White’s actions during the interview by saying that they were informed by club members that this particular situation involved a lot alcohol.
White, to his credit, did not accept the lure that was being thrown at him. “There was certainly a lot alcohol involved, however that’s no excuse.” White stated that he made no excuses. It’s something that has never been done before. This is the first time it has ever occurred. They’re going to say whatever they want. It’s just what it is.
The video and interview with White were posted shortly after. Reddit’s MMA section banned comments as “Discussing whether men can hit women isn’t what this subreddit was about.”
UFC is a toxic organization with so many fans, that the MMA section of Reddit was forced to ban comments on the Dana White domestic abuse video. This happened because UFC supporters were posting how it’s okay for women to be hit by men. pic.twitter.com/YGq5oZzWvp
Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith), January 3, 2023
White slapping his wife on social media is the most popular excuse that people use to justify it.
A number of former and current UFC fighters also offered their opinions on the subject, providing excuses for White that he did not try to make.
Dana White was right, “YES!” Women shouldn’t be hit by men. Does this reflect Dana White? NO. Dana was a part of second chances. It is fair to speak out against this topic, and perhaps sit out two events. He acknowledged that he had been wrong!
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 3, 2023
You shouldn’t consume alcohol.
Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom January 3, 2023
You wouldn’t let a toddler get you, and you didn’t expect any repercussions.
Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom January 3, 2023
When speaking to “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith, ESPN’s media director, was extremely soft on White.
Dana White is more than a friend and person I support. He is a friend. Smith stated that he loves him. Smith said, “I wish him the very best.” He is aware of how foolish he was. He is aware that this is the right path. Because I reached out and informed him that we were going to be discussing this, he knew it was coming. He is aware that he has crossed a line he had never before crossed and he vows to never do so again. He feels extremely ashamed. This is where we currently are.”
Kevin Iole (long-time journalist in combat sports), provided coverage for White’s Yahoo Sports story. He quickly pointed out that White “works at a breakneck speed and has done a lot for the world by championing many charitable causes, creating thousands jobs and privately helping scores of down-on their luck people .
White did not offer any excuses or justifications for his actions. He didn’t have to, as a lot of people would be willing to give him more.