Jump to content

Speaking Out movement

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Speaking Out Movement)

Part of a series on
Professional wrestling
History
Notable promotions
Notable people
Early 20th Century

Mid 20th Century

1970s and 1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s and 2020s

By region
Styles
Concepts
Culture
Media outlets
Controversies
Lists
Related topics

The Speaking Out movement is a social movement against emotional, physical and sexual abuse in the professional wrestling industry, where people publicize their allegations of misconduct committed by powerful and/or prominent individuals. Similar to other empowerment movements based upon breaking silence such as #MeToo, the purpose of #SpeakingOut (a hashtag that began to spread on Twitter in June 2020) is to empower wrestling-related people to tell their stories of abuse they have experienced.[1]

History

[edit]
David Starr, the first wrestler accused in the movement

On June 17, 2020, independent wrestler David Starr was accused of sexual assault by a former girlfriend of his, which he denied.[2][3] After the allegation came out, several wrestling promotions stripped Starr of their championships and fired him.[4]

The following day, numerous people in and out of the pro wrestling industry accused several wrestlers, promoters, personalities, and journalists of sexual misconduct. The hashtag "Speaking Out" began to spread on social media when people told their stories. #SpeakingOut was a trending topic on Twitter. It was soon reported that the allegations were being investigated by West Yorkshire Police.[5]

Response

[edit]

Many wrestlers, personalities, and journalists overwhelmingly supported those that spoke out on their experiences.[6]

All Elite Wrestling

[edit]

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) wrestler Jimmy Havoc was accused of emotional and verbal abuse by former partner, Rebecca Crow. On June 19, 2020, AEW announced in a statement that Havoc would be attending therapy for a number of issues and they would come to a decision about his employment at a later date.[7] Havoc would be released by AEW on August 13.[8]

On June 22, audio from a podcast went viral where Sammy Guevara joked that he wanted to rape WWE women's wrestler Sasha Banks. AEW subsequently suspended Guevara without pay, with Guevara agreeing to undergo extensive sensitivity training. It was also announced that Guevara's salary would be donated to the Women's Center of Jacksonville.[9] Later that day, Banks stated that she and Guevara had been in contact with each other, that he had apologized to her, and that they had engaged in an "open discussion" to help him understand the severity of his comments.[9] Guevara would complete his training and return on July 22.[10]

On June 23, Darby Allin was accused of emotional, mental, and sexual abuse by Hawlee Cromwell, an independent wrestler with whom he allegedly had a relationship.[11][12]

Chikara

[edit]

On June 19, Chikara removed Kobald from their roster following allegations made against him.[13] Chikara owner Mike Quackenbush was also accused of knowingly overseeing a company that enabled abuse and neglect, which led to many wrestlers on the Chikara roster such as Hallowicked, Kimber Lee, Jacob Hammermeier, Frightmare and Green Ant resigning from the promotion.[13][14] On June 24, Chikara announced they had shut down completely.[14]

Impact Wrestling

[edit]

Wrestlers Joey Ryan, Michael Elgin, and Dave Crist were accused of misconduct. Impact Wrestling's parent company, Anthem Sports & Entertainment, released a statement saying they were reviewing the allegations.[15] Ryan, who had multiple allegations against him, would release a statement without addressing specific allegations.[16][17] It was later revealed that Ryan and Crist's contracts were terminated, while Elgin was suspended.[18] On June 26, Impact Wrestling announced Elgin would be removed from all future programing.[19] On July 2, Elgin released a video denying the allegations made against him.[20] On July 18, Ryan also released a video denying almost all the allegations made against him.[21] He filed lawsuits against some of his accusers as well as a lawsuit against Impact.[22][23][24] On March 8, 2021, Ryan issued a statement saying he would drop several lawsuits.[25] Two days later, he issued a second statement saying he would drop another lawsuit.[26]

TJP came out with allegations of being taken advantage of by older female wrestlers when he was fifteen.[27]

Major League Wrestling

[edit]

On June 20, Major League Wrestling ring announcer Mark Adam Haggerty was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a minor. An hour later, MLW and two other promotions announced that they would no longer be working with Haggerty.[28]

National Wrestling Alliance

[edit]

On June 18, National Wrestling Alliance Vice President Dave Lagana was accused of sexual misconduct. The following day, Lagana resigned from his position.[29]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling

[edit]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Will Ospreay was accused by a former female wrestler, Pollyanna, of having her blacklisted after she made allegations towards another wrestler, Scott Wainwright, who is a friend of Ospreay's.[30] While Ospreay denied the accusation, International Wrestling League would release a statement that contradicted his denial.[31] In October 2020, IWL clarified their statement, saying that Ospreay did not contact them directly.[32]

Ring of Honor

[edit]

On June 22, Marty Scurll was accused of taking advantage of a 16-year-old girl who was inebriated. Scurll would release two statements in which he did not deny the allegations, but claimed the encounter was consensual while both participants were intoxicated.[33] On June 25, Ring of Honor announced that they launched an investigation concerning the allegations.[34] On January 4, 2021, it was announced that Scurll had left ROH.[35]

On July 6, former ROH Women's Champion Kelly Klein alleged that Jay Lethal sexually harassed women and ROH covered it up. He had been previously accused by Taeler Hendrix of sexually harassing her in 2018. Lethal released a statement denying the allegations.[36]

WWE

[edit]
Jack Gallagher was released from WWE after allegations were made against him.

Joe Coffey was accused of harassing a woman, sending unsolicited naked photos, sending voice messages, and unsolicited stalking.[37] On June 30, he was suspended by WWE.[38]

Jack Gallagher was accused of sexual assault. On June 19, he was released by WWE.[39][40] His profile was later deleted from WWE.com.[41] On October 4, Gallagher issued a statement concerning the circumstances that led to his release.[42]

Jordan Devlin was accused of physical abuse by Hannah Francesca, a former partner,[43] which he denied.[44] He would be suspended indefinitely by Progress Wrestling following the allegations.[45]

Matt Riddle was accused of sexual misconduct by Candy Cartwright, a female wrestler.[46] Riddle denied the allegation through his attorney.[47] It was later reported that WWE was aware of the allegation against Riddle when he was signed in 2018 and had investigated it at the time.[48] On July 8, Riddle admitted to having an affair with Cartwright, but reiterated his denial of the accusations against him.[49] On September 16, Riddle dropped his petition for a restraining order against Cartwright.[50] The following day, Riddle filed a civil lawsuit against Cartwright.[51] On October 8, it was reported that Cartwright filed a countersuit against Riddle, WWE, Gabe Sapolsky, and Evolve Wrestling.[52] On March 24, 2021, a judge ruled to terminate WWE and Gabe Sapolsky as defendants in the lawsuit. Riddle's request for termination of the lawsuit was denied.[53] On July 13, 2021, it was reported Cartwright dropped her lawsuit against Riddle.[54]

Travis Banks was accused of emotional abuse by former student Millie McKenzie, who had a relationship with Banks while aged 17. McKenzie also stated that Banks has had similar relationships with other trainees. Banks responded to the allegations via a statement. McKenzie proceeded to tweet screenshots of a text conversation between the two where Banks, who seemed to be intoxicated by the nature of his messages, had stalked McKenzie and was harassing her in a hotel room.[55] Banks would be released by Progress Wrestling and WWE following the allegations and his profile was also deleted from WWE.com.[56][57]

Ligero was accused of indecent assault, sending inappropriate messages, and engaging in inappropriate conduct. While he denied the indecent assault allegation, he admitted that he did send inappropriate messages and engaged in inappropriate conduct.[58] Ligero would be released by Progress Wrestling and WWE following the allegations and his profile was also deleted from WWE.com.[56][59]

Velveteen Dream was accused of having inappropriate communications with minors as well as attempting to groom them.[60] He had previously been accused of sending inappropriate photos to minors several months earlier, which at that time he denied.[61] Following Velveteen Dream's return on the August 12, 2020 episode of NXT, which was met with heavy criticism from fans, Triple H stated that WWE had investigated the allegations and they "didn't find anything".[62] Following his release, Velveteen Dream issued a statement denying the allegations on May 24, 2021, and his profile was deleted from WWE.com.[63]

NXT UK referees Joel Allen and Chris Roberts were released by WWE on June 30 following allegations against them.[37]

WWE released a statement concerning Devlin and Riddle saying they took the matters seriously and were looking into it.[43][46] WWE would later issue a second statement saying that they would take action upon those who were arrested and/or convicted.[64]

Various independent promotions

[edit]

In March 2020, three months prior to the Speaking Out movement taking place, 3-2-1 Battle! cut ties with head booker/trainer Steve West following allegations made against him. The entire management team was forced to step down as well. An attempt to revive the promotion with a new management team was quickly abandoned.[65]

Black Label Pro released wrestler Johnathan Wolf on June 19, following allegations of sexual assault and mental abuse.[66] Game Changer Wrestling subsequently removed Wolf from their The Wrld on GCW Part 2 show on June 20.[67]

Mikey Whiplash was accused of sexual harassment and physical abuse. Fierce Wrestling would cut ties with him following the allegations.[68]

Inspire Pro Wrestling ended their relationship with wrestler Andy Dalton on June 20 following allegations that Dalton had sent inappropriate messages to a minor.[69]

Following a string of sexual misconduct allegations made towards Singaporean wrestler Alex Cuevas, Singapore Pro Wrestling and Philippine Wrestling Revolution cut all ties with him.[70][71]

On June 20, independent wrestler Kyle Boone tweeted about being assaulted and bullied by Kongo Kong at an independent wrestling event. Boone stated that he was forced to show his penis in front of the entire locker room and give him the money he made from the show and selling merch.[72] Kong responded by saying when he started in the business, it was not uncommon to rib rookies. He continued his statement by saying if he had known sooner, he would have tried to hash it out like adults. He was not given any indication that something was wrong as it was all "hugs and smiles". He also stated he would only pick on people he liked and saw something in.[72]

Joey Ryan was released from Impact Wrestling and his promotion, Bar Wrestling, was shut down.

On June 21, Bar Wrestling was shut down following multiple sexual misconduct allegations against owner Joey Ryan.[73][74]

Progress Wrestling announced that the promotion underwent structural changes after several wrestlers were either suspended or fired due to the numerous allegations made against them. The promotion also announced that they would shut down until they were satisfied with the changes.[75][76]

Former NWA/WCW and WWE manager Jim Cornette and his wife faced allegations from independent wrestler Phil Earley that he forced trainees to engage in sexual intercourse with her and would watch while he was in charge of Ohio Valley Wrestling.[1] Cornette denied the allegations.[77]

Saraya Knight retired on June 23 following allegations that she had abused both trainees and fellow colleagues.[78]

Revolution Pro Wrestling fired trainer Andy Simmonz and one training student on June 24 following allegations against both.[79]

Rockstar Pro Wrestling announced a new code of conduct in response to the Speaking Out movement.[80]

Jeff Duncan (aka The Natural) was removed as one of the co-owners of Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling amid sexual harassment and bullying allegations.[81][82] Duncan would later issue a statement regarding the allegations.[83]

Over the Top Wrestling announced that the promotion underwent staff and policy changes in response to the Speaking Out movement.[84]

Westside Xtreme Wrestling cut ties with wrestlers Julian Pace and Jay Skillet after allegations were made against them.[85]

Wrestling journalism

[edit]

Michael Brandon Stroud, professional wrestling editor for Uproxx, had his "With Spandex" vertical suspended after he was accused of sexual assault.[86][87] Uproxx later announced on July 2 that Stroud was fired from the publication and "With Spandex" would be shut down, with future pro wrestling coverage to appear on Uproxx Sports.[87]

British Parliament inquiry

[edit]

On September 24, 2020, the All-Party Parliamentary Group, an informal cross-party group of MPs which has no official status within Parliament, launched an inquiry into the UK wrestling scene after the numerous allegations that came out of the Speaking Out movement. Progress and Trust Wrestling announced they would be working with the APPG. The inquiry is headed by Alex Davies-Jones.[88]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Gartland, Dan (June 19, 2020). "Wrestlers Shed Light on Industry's Toxic Culture With #SpeakingOut". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  2. ^ Powell, Jason (June 18, 2020). "David Starr accused of sexual assault by former girlfriend". ProWrestling.net. Archived from the original on June 20, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  3. ^ "David Starr Responds To Allegations, Premiere Date Set For The Miz's New Show | Fight-Size Update". Fightful. June 17, 2020. Archived from the original on June 25, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  4. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 18, 2020). "Multiple Promotions Sever Ties With David Starr Following Sexual Abuse Allegations". Fightful. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  5. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 19, 2020). "Report: West Yorkshire Police Carrying Out Enquiries Regarding Alleged Abuse In British Wrestling". Fightful. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  6. ^ "Wrestlers speak out in favor of #SpeakingOut movement, supporting the women giving accounts of sexual abuse, harassment, and assault". Pro Wrestling Torch. June 19, 2020. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  7. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 19, 2020). "AEW Releases Statement Regarding Jimmy Havoc Following Allegations Of Abuse". Fightful. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  8. ^ Satin, Ryan (August 13, 2020). "Jimmy Havoc and Bea Priestley Reportedly Released from AEW". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  9. ^ a b Keller, Wade (June 22, 2020). "Sammy Guevara suspended without pay from AEW due to a podcast comment in 2016 about wanting to rape Sasha Banks, Sammy and Sasha comment". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on June 25, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  10. ^ Satin, Ryan (July 22, 2020). "Sammy Guevara Returns From Suspension on Dynamite". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on July 23, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  11. ^ Self High Five (June 24, 2020). "AEW's Darby Allin, also signaled by #SpeakingOut movement". Súper Luchas. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  12. ^ Cromwell, Hawlee [@Hawleeasaur] (August 6, 2021). "I'm tired I'm so fucking tired and I don't care anymore. Darby allin abused me. He abused me and I'm tired of being called a liar by "fans" who have no idea the shitty person he really is. Somehow no one remembers, I'll never forget how you treated me like shit." (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021 – via Twitter.
  13. ^ a b Nason, Josh (June 19, 2020). "Mike Quackenbush closes Chikara, resigns as school's head trainer". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  14. ^ a b Johnson, Mike (June 24, 2020). "CHIKARA SHUTTING DOWN". PWInsider. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  15. ^ Nason, Josh (June 19, 2020). "Impact Wrestling's parent company releases statement on allegations". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on June 25, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  16. ^ Pollack, John (June 22, 2020). "Joey Ryan, Bar Wrestling deactivate Twitter accounts following allegations, Highspots issues statement". POST Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 24, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  17. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (July 19, 2020). "Joey Ryan Addresses Allegations Against Him, Refutes 18 Different Claims". Fightful. Archived from the original on January 29, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  18. ^ Nason, Josh (June 22, 2020). "Impact Wrestling fires Joey Ryan & Dave Crist, suspends Michael Elgin". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on June 24, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  19. ^ Satin, Ryan (June 26, 2020). "Michael Elgin Will Not Appear in Any Further Impact Wrestling Programming". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  20. ^ Satin, Ryan (July 2, 2020). "Michael Elgin Denies Claims Made Against Him in #SpeakingOut Movement (VIDEO)". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  21. ^ Satin, Ryan (July 18, 2020). "Joey Ryan Addresses #SpeakingOut Allegations, Denies Nearly Every Single Claim (VIDEO)". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  22. ^ Nason, Josh (September 29, 2020). "Joey Ryan files $15+ million lawsuit against three #SpeakingOut accusers". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on October 2, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  23. ^ Johnson, Mike (September 29, 2020). "JOEY RYAN FILES SECOND LAWSUIT AGAINST OTHER ACCUSERS". PWInsider. Archived from the original on November 3, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  24. ^ Nason, Josh (October 13, 2020). "Joey Ryan files $10 million breach of contract lawsuit against Impact". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on October 14, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  25. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (March 8, 2021). "Joey Ryan Says He Is Dropping Several Lawsuits; Keeps IMPACT Lawsuit Open, Not Attempting A Comeback". Fightful. Archived from the original on August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  26. ^ Ryan, Joey [@JoeyRyanOnline] (March 10, 2021). "I've filed to dismiss the Pennsylvania lawsuit too. We're all struggling with mental health, myself included. Him and I will never agree as to the events in 2013 but I could be more sympathetic. I went through something similar in 2018 and understand his pain. Hebrews 10:24" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2021 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ Perkins, T.J. [@MegaTJP] (June 19, 2020). "I've always felt that double standard is wrong. On the flipside, I shared 2 stories last night with a loved one of myself at 15 being taken advantage of/pressured by older girls in wrestling who were 20-22 at the time. Hard to share cuz men are expected to be proud of such things" (Tweet). Retrieved February 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ Rose, Bryan (June 20, 2020). "Mark Adam Haggerty gone from MLW following misconduct allegations". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  29. ^ Powell, Jason (June 19, 2020). "NWA executive Dave Lagana resigns following allegation of sexual misconduct". ProWrestling.net. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  30. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 20, 2020). "Will Ospreay Posts Statement Regarding Accusations He Helped Blacklist Pollyanna From Wrestling". Fightful. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  31. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 21, 2020). "IWL Says Will Ospreay Told Venue He Was Uncomfortable With Pollyanna Being Booked". Fightful. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  32. ^ IWL [@IntWresLeague] (October 15, 2020). "This should be a moment where we stand united in support of those affected by the death of Ryan Smile. Instead some are ripping it into Will Ospreay. To avoid any misconception we have to clarify something, Will did NOT contact us directly about unbooking Polly, the venue did." (Tweet). Retrieved November 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  33. ^ Nason, Josh (June 24, 2020). "Marty Scurll releases new statement on sexual allegations". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on November 22, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  34. ^ Currier, Joseph (June 25, 2020). "ROH launches investigation into accusations made against talent". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  35. ^ Heydorn, Zack (January 4, 2021). "Marty Scurll and Ring of Honor agree to mutually part ways". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  36. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (July 6, 2020). "Jay Lethal Releases Statement Regarding Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  37. ^ a b Lambert, Jeremy (June 30, 2020). "Report: NXT UK Suspends Joe Coffey, Releases Two Referees". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  38. ^ Johnson, Mike (June 30, 2020). "NXT UK STAR SUSPENDED". PWInsider. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  39. ^ "Jack Gallagher released". WWE.com. June 19, 2020. Archived from the original on June 20, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  40. ^ Nason, Josh (June 19, 2020). "WWE releases Jack Gallagher following sexual assault claim". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  41. ^ Haring, Bruce (June 21, 2020). "Jack Gallagher Released by WWE As #SpeakingOut Movement Accuses Wrestling Stars Of Sexual Misconduct". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  42. ^ Johnson, Mike (October 4, 2020). "FORMER WWE STAR JACK GALLAGHER RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING CIRCUMSTANCES THAT LED TO HIS WWE RELEASE". PWInsider. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  43. ^ a b Currier, Joseph (June 18, 2020). "WWE looking into abuse allegations made against Jordan Devlin". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  44. ^ Trainor, Daniel (June 19, 2020). "Jordan Devlin Calls Assault Allegation "Completely and Utterly False"". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  45. ^ Satin, Ryan (June 19, 2020). "Jordan Devlin and Travis Banks Suspended Indefinitely from PROGRESS Wrestling". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  46. ^ a b Nason, Josh (June 19, 2020). "Matt Riddle accused of sexual abuse, WWE releases statement". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on June 25, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  47. ^ Satin, Ryan (June 19, 2020). "Matt Riddle's Lawyer Releases Statement Denying Sexual Assault Allegation". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  48. ^ Joonie Wrestling (June 22, 2020). "WWE already knew about the sexual abuse accusation against Matt Riddle". Súper Luchas. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  49. ^ Powell, Jason (July 8, 2020). "WWE's Matt Riddle releases video responding to #SpeakingOut allegations". ProWrestling.net. Archived from the original on July 11, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  50. ^ Toro, Carlos (September 16, 2020). "Matt Riddle Files Notice Of Voluntary Dismissal Of Restraining Order In Sexual Assault Case". Fightful. Archived from the original on September 28, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  51. ^ Johnson, Mike (September 17, 2020). "WWE STAR MATT RIDDLE FILING CIVIL LAWSUIT AGAINST CANDY CARTWRIGHT IN WAKE OF ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM". PWInsider. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  52. ^ Sapp, Sean Ross (October 8, 2020). "WWE, Matt Riddle, Gabe Sapolsky, Evolve Wrestling Sued By Candy Cartwright For $10 Million Each". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 11, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  53. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (March 24, 2021). "WWE and Gabe Sapolsky removed". Fightful. Archived from the original on March 24, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  54. ^ Nason, Josh (July 13, 2021). "Candy Cartwright drops lawsuit against WWE's Matt Riddle". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  55. ^ Pollack, John (June 20, 2020). "Travis Banks responds to accusations by Millie Mckenzie". POST Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 28, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  56. ^ a b Rose, Bryan (June 20, 2020). "Travis Banks & Ligero dropped by PROGRESS amid abuse allegations". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  57. ^ Johnson, Mike (June 26, 2020). "WWE RELEASES TRAVIS BANKS". PWInsider. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  58. ^ Trainor, Daniel (June 19, 2020). "Ligero Denies "Indecent Assault" Allegation, Acknowledges Inappropriate Messages and Conduct". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  59. ^ Trainor, Daniel (June 26, 2020). "Ligero Released By WWE After Multiple Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on June 28, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  60. ^ Bergonzi, Ezequiel (June 20, 2020). "#MeToo in WWE: More evidence emerges against Velveteen Dream". Súper Luchas. Archived from the original on June 28, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  61. ^ "Velveteen Dream denies allegation of inappropriate behavior". Figure Four Online. April 24, 2020. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  62. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (August 17, 2020). "Triple H addresses Velveteen Dream's return to NXT TV, says absence was due to car accident". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  63. ^ Nason, Josh (May 24, 2021). "Velveteen Dream makes first comments since WWE release". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  64. ^ Satin, Ryan (June 19, 2020). "WWE Releases Statement Regarding Talent Accused in #SpeakingOut Movement". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  65. ^
  66. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 19, 2020). "Black Label Pro And British Wrestling Revolution Cut Ties With Wrestlers Accused Of Sexual Abuse". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  67. ^ Toro, Carlos (June 20, 2020). "Tyson Kidd Okay With In-Ring Career Being Over, IMPACT Star Added To GCW Show | Fight-Size Update". Fightful. Archived from the original on April 7, 2024. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  68. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 18, 2020). "Fierce Females Cuts Ties With Owner Mikey Whiplash Following Allegations Of Abuse". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  69. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 20, 2020). "Inspire Pro Wrestling Ends Relationship With Andy Dalton". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 18, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  70. ^ Singapore Pro-Wrestling (SPW) [@SgProWrestling] (June 20, 2020). "#SpeakingOut" (Tweet). Retrieved August 6, 2020 – via Twitter.
  71. ^ Ollero, Red [@comedybyred] (June 20, 2020). "Ever since I took over, we've had zero tolerance to Sexual Harassment. Alex Cuevas was banned from PWR ever since that incident happened. And we've improved protocols for reporting cases. We operate with the utmost discretion or however the victim wants it." (Tweet). Retrieved August 6, 2020 – via Twitter.
  72. ^ a b Lambert, Jeremy (June 21, 2020). "Kongo Kong Responds To Allegations Of Assault". Fightful. Archived from the original on September 17, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  73. ^ Rose, Bryan (June 21, 2020). "Report: Bar Wrestling closed amid Joey Ryan sexual assault allegations". Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  74. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 22, 2020). "Bar Wrestling Closes Down Following Joey Ryan Sexual Assault Allegations, Highspots Issues Statement". Fightful. Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  75. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 20, 2020). "PROGRESS Wrestling Cuts Ties Will Multiple Wrestlers Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations". Fightful. Archived from the original on June 25, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  76. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (June 22, 2020). "PROGRESS Wrestling Shutting Down Until Changes Are Made". Fightful. Archived from the original on June 28, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  77. ^ Satin, Ryan (June 22, 2020). "Jim Cornette Denies Recent Allegations, 'I've Been Charged with Having an Interesting Sex Life'". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  78. ^ Beltran, William (June 23, 2020). "Saraya Knight, Paige's mom, withdraws after accusations". Súper Luchas. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  79. ^ Quildan, Andy [@AQuildan] (June 24, 2020). "Both Andy Simmonz and the young man referenced in the original tweet are no longer associated with RevPro or the Portsmouth School of wrestling." (Tweet). Retrieved July 1, 2020 – via Twitter.
  80. ^ Rockstar Pro Wrestling [@RockstarProWres] (July 3, 2020). "Official Code of Conduct" (Tweet). Retrieved July 22, 2020 – via Twitter.
  81. ^ Johnston, Jesse (July 10, 2020). "Former B.C. pro wrestlers add their voices to industry's own version of #MeToo". CBC News. Archived from the original on July 15, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  82. ^ Lypka, Ben (June 26, 2020). "B.C. independent wrestling promotion co-owner removed after sexual harassment allegations surface". The Abbotsford News. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  83. ^ Pollock, John (June 26, 2020). "POLLOCK'S NEWS UPDATE: Florida reports 9,000 new COVID cases". POST Wrestling. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  84. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (July 7, 2020). "OTT Wrestling Announces Staff And Policy Changes". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 8, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  85. ^ "Julian Pace & Jay Skillet no longer with wXw / Shotgun 2020 release suspended". Westside Xtreme Wrestling. June 23, 2020. Archived from the original on October 18, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  86. ^ William Beltran (June 19, 2020). "The list of fighters singled out for sexual harassment grows". Súper Luchas. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  87. ^ a b "A Note From Uproxx Management (UPDATED)". Uproxx. June 30, 2020. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  88. ^ DeFelice, Robert (September 24, 2020). "APPG Officially Launches Inquiry Into Pro Wrestling In Britain Following #SpeakingOut". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Speaking_Out_movement&oldid=1257665385"