Dana White, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), stated that he does not anticipate facing consequences following the release of a video depicting a physical altercation with his wife earlier this month. White made these remarks on Wednesday during a media event for UFC Fight Night 217.
When asked about potential consequences from the company, White replied, “What do you think the repercussions should be? Should I take a 30-day leave of absence? How would that negatively impact me?”
My departure has a negative impact on the company, my employees, and the fighters. However, it does not affect me personally.
“What is the consequence for my actions? My punishment is to constantly walk and be labeled for the duration of my life.”
I am being punished for my actions and I must now face the consequences.
The footage, acquired by TMZ, shows White and Anne having a disagreement before physically striking each other in a nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on New Year’s Eve. There are no legal consequences for either White or his wife as a result of the altercation.
White alleges that discussions took place among him, Endeavor’s CEO and UFC’s owner, Ari Emanuel, and the broadcaster ESPN regarding the suitable course of action.
“We have had numerous internal discussions with Ari and ESPN, but nobody is satisfied,” stated the 53-year-old. “No one is pleased with this situation, including myself. However, it has occurred.”
White also clarified that he was not trying to justify his actions and reaffirmed his position on domestic violence.
“There’s never an excuse … There’s no defense for this and people should not be defending me over this thing, no matter what.”
The California Legislative Women’s Caucus penned a public letter to Emanuel and Endeavor requesting for White to be replaced as UFC president.
According to the letter, we trusted that Endeavor and the UFC shared a commitment to safety, respect, and accountability based on Mr. White’s previous stance against domestic partner violence.
We have all watched the video of Dana White, the president of UFC, hitting his wife at a New Year’s Eve party. We were shocked and disturbed by what we saw. Despite the disturbing footage, you have not spoken out about it.
“We demand that Mr. White be immediately removed from his position as president of UFC.”
CNN contacted Endeavor for a statement but did not receive an immediate response.
When reached for a response, ESPN provided a brief statement stating: “We have been reporting on this story across our platforms since it first came to light and will continue to do so.”
The debut of a new reality show by Dana White called “Power Slap: Road to the Title” on TBS has been postponed to January 18, one week later than originally planned. TBS and CNN are both under the Warner Bros. Discovery network.
Source: cnn.com
