Fitness influencer Joey Swoll has issued a lengthy and emotional apology on social media after facing heavy backlash for posting a video tribute to the late wrestler Hulk Hogan. The video featured Swoll dressed in a Hogan costume on the day of the wrestler’s passing, and the post quickly stirred controversy—not just for defending Hogan’s legacy, but also for Swoll’s use of the outdated and offensive term “colored” during a livestream.
In a video response shared shortly after the backlash erupted, Swoll backtracked on his previous defensive tone and offered a more reflective message, stating plainly, “I am sorry.” He expressed remorse for both his choice to defend Hulk Hogan and for using language that many found hurtful and offensive. Swoll explained that while his intention was to honor a childhood hero, he now understands the pain that such a tribute might have caused.
The fitness influencer began his apology by addressing his community directly. “A few days ago, I posted an old video of me wearing a Hulk Hogan Halloween costume. It happened to be the day Hogan passed away. At the time, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to someone I admired growing up,” he said. “But during my livestream last night, many people let me know they were disappointed in me. They were upset. And instead of listening, I got defensive. I tried to justify it by saying Hogan was a childhood hero for many of us—the man who told us to say our prayers, eat our vitamins, and believe in ourselves.”
Swoll admitted that he hadn’t fully grasped the extent of the controversies surrounding Hulk Hogan. “I didn’t know the depth of all the awful things he had done,” Swoll confessed, alluding to several scandals that tarnished Hogan’s image—including a leaked sex tape, the use of racial slurs, and admitted steroid abuse. Swoll acknowledged that these were not just “mistakes” but deeply harmful actions that couldn’t be ignored.
Adding to the storm was Swoll’s use of the term “colored” during the same livestream, which further angered viewers. He addressed this in the video, saying, “During the livestream, I used the word ‘colored’ instead of saying ‘person of color.’ I didn’t realize how offensive that was. Thankfully, someone educated me right away, and I apologized on the spot. But I want to say it again: I’m sorry to anyone I hurt. I’ll never use that term again.”
The apology video, though sincere in tone, sparked a polarized reaction among his followers. Some fans praised Swoll for owning up to his mistakes and trying to make amends. Others, however, criticized him for “giving in” to what they labeled as a culture of “wokeness.” One commenter wrote, “You should never have apologized. You bowed to the mob. That’s not strength.” Another added, “Wow. Can’t believe you caved to those ridiculous people. You used to stand for something.”
Hulk Hogan’s past continues to divide fans. In 2007, Hogan was recorded using racial slurs about his daughter’s then-boyfriend, which he later apologized for, calling it “unacceptable.” However, his political affiliations—particularly his public support of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement—only added to the controversy. Some felt his apologies lacked sincerity, including TV host Kazeem Famuyide, who told NBC News, “You never really got the feeling that Hulk Hogan truly felt remorse.”
In Swoll’s case, even the Black community was split. Some supported him, writing messages like “The Black community supports you, brother,” and “You’ve come too far to back down now.” Others questioned the need for the apology at all, suggesting that over-sensitivity was diluting real accountability.
Despite the divided opinions, Swoll appeared genuinely shaken by the events. He revealed that beyond criticism, he had received disturbing threats. “People sent messages saying they knew where I lived and that they were going to hurt me,” Swoll shared on Twitter. “That’s fine. I can handle it. But it makes you think.”
Swoll’s brand, which has long been built on promoting gym etiquette and holding others accountable for toxic behavior, now finds itself under scrutiny. “You know my whole platform is about accountability,” he said in his apology video. “And now I have to live up to that standard myself. This is a moment of growth for me. I messed up. I see that now.”
Still, the emotional toll was evident. In a follow-up post to his Instagram stories, Swoll wrote, “All the good I’ve done, all the people I’ve helped—it feels like it’s all for nothing now.” He ended the post with a surprising declaration: “I’m done with social media.”
The decision marks a significant turning point for the influencer, who has built a massive following by promoting positivity, discipline, and respect within fitness communities. Swoll’s final words seemed to suggest a man tired of controversy, yet still hopeful that his apology will resonate with those who once looked up to him.
While it remains to be seen whether Joey Swoll will return to social media, his story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly public opinion can turn—and how even good intentions can go awry when not fully informed by context and sensitivity. In the end, Swoll’s message is clear: accountability isn’t just for others—it’s also for himself.
