Wrestler suspended over 'disgusting' comment about female WWE star
Sammy Guevara has been suspended by All Elite Wrestling over sickening comments he made about WWE star Sasha Banks.
An audio clip from 2016 has resurfaced in which Guevara jokes about sexually assaulting Banks.
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Speaking on Raw's 4th ‘Hour podcast’ four years ago, Guevara spoke about a visit he made to the WWE Performance Centre in which he met Banks.
When asked about Banks’ fight against Becky Lynch, Guevara responded: “Bro, Sasha Banks, oh my God.
“When I was at the WWE the other week, I wanted to just go f***ing rape that woman.”
Guevara has since issued an apology after copping widespread condemnation.
“I’ve made stupid, inappropriate and extremely offensive comments in my past,” he said.
“In my idiotic mind, I thought I was being funny in using words and terms that represent nothing but horror and pain.
“I am truly sorry for my hurtful words and actions, and I will never forgive myself.
“I also want to apologise to @sashabankswwe for my unacceptable comments. She’s an amazing person who didn’t deserve to be the brunt of my offensive remarks.
“I spoke with her earlier & she helped me learn a gigantic lesson & I thank her for that. Once again, I’m sincerely sorry.”
I’ve made stupid, inappropriate and extremely offensive comments in my past. In my idiotic mind, I thought I was being funny in using words and terms that represent nothing but horror and pain. I am truly sorry for my hurtful words and actions, and I will never forgive myself.
— sammy guevara (@sammyguevara) June 22, 2020
I also want to apologize to @sashabankswwe for my unacceptable comments. She’s an amazing person who didn’t deserve to be the brunt of my offensive remarks. I spoke with her earlier & she helped me learn a gigantic lesson & I thank her for that. Once again, I’m sincerely sorry.
— sammy guevara (@sammyguevara) June 22, 2020
Sasha Banks condemns Sammy Guevera’s comments
Banks - real name Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado - also condemned the comments.
“Earlier I spoke with Sammy, he apologised and we had an open discussion,” she said.
“Words like the comments he made, whether jokingly or not, have absolutely no place in our society!
“I don't condone or tolerate this type of behaviour.
“What one thinks is just a side comment can have a massive impact on someone else's life, and can send the wrong message.
“We have to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and the words we say, and I hope this situation shows him that.
“I hope from this point on, in order for growth and change within our community to take place, we all can continue to have these conversations.
“No person, man, woman or child, should ever be subjected to a feeling of fear, or any unsafe environment.
“We all have to do better, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.”
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) June 22, 2020
Fans also hit out at Guevara and called for his sacking.
“If Sammy Guevara said this about your daughter, y’all would not be defending him like some of y’all doing right now,” one said.
Another wrote: “What Sammy Guevara said is f***ing disgusting and it's not a joke. No matter your age, you SHOULD NEVER say you want to rape somebody, it's not edgy or clever it's vile.”
While another said: “I need Sammy Guevara to be unemployed by the end of the day please.”
@AEWonTNT in January one of your wrestlers said he acted to rape sasha banks. Sammy guevara should be fired for.these comments. Disgusting.
— Mark Roth (@CJDark) June 22, 2020
I love Sammy Guevara but what he said was disgusting. Even at 22 years old, you should know not to say things like that. I don't want him being cancelled, I just hope he gives us an explanation and more importantly, apologise to Sasha Banks.
— Honcho (@P1AllElite) June 22, 2020
Sammy Guevara needs to come out and apologize immediately. His choice of words describing Sasha Banks was both immature and disgusting.
Sammy, please come out with an apology ASAP.
Men, let’s start leading by example. Chivalry can be reignited. #showrespect— Justin Hollis (@thejbird904) June 22, 2020
Guevara will also undergo sensitivity training during his suspension.
