Boxer James Hawley, who called gay and trans people ‘dirty c**ts’ says he can’t be homophobic because he has gay friends
James Hawley, after suffering stinging criticism for his comments on LGBT+ people, issued an apology. (Screen capture via Instagram)
After calling queer men and trans folk “dirty c**ts” in a viral TikTok video, British professional boxer James Hawley sought to defend himself by saying it was “unfair” that he was dropped by his management, and that he’s not homophobic because he has a “gay cousin”.
Well, can’t say we’ve heard that last line before.
In the video, shared online by Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz Wednesday afternoon (July 22), it shows Hawley, 21, respond to a comment asking whether he “support LGBT [sic]” on his since-deleted TikTok account.
“I a thousand and million per cent do not agree with this, no,” he said, according to the footage, before launching a vile takedown of queer men and trans folk, dubbing them “dirty c**ts”.
Backlash brewed, which peaked when MTK Global – who represent the likes of Tyson Fury and Carl Frampton – said it was dropping him as a client.
As a result, Hawley took to Instagram stories to give his side of the story, he said, explaining that what he said do not reflect his views on LGBT+ people, but were said out of “anger” after he was inundated with inappropriate messages from “members of the gay public”.
Yesterday professional boxer #JamesHawley responded to a question “do you support the LGBT community” instead of either ignoring the question or just saying yes he went on a viral tirade. This is his “apology” video after being let go from his management pic.twitter.com/0wkb9LXskc
— Jolene Dover (@jolenedover) July 22, 2020
James Hawley: ‘I never meant anything by it and I’m sorry to who I offended.’
Hawley told his 12,200 followers that MTK Global has dropped him and expressed an understanding of why the agency did so.
“Last night I’d hit a brick wall,” he said, “and had enough of all the messages and disgusting, disturbing images that I was being sent by a few members of the gay community and I lashed out and said a few things I didn’t mean.
“I have friends who are gay and I have a cousin who is gay – I never meant anything by it and I’m sorry to who I offended.
“At the same time, how would you like it if members of the gay public on a day-to-day basis sent you inappropriate videos and messages, basically abusing you.”
It remains unclear, however, what members of the trans public did to also receive the brunt of Hawley’s verbal hamstring.
Hawley then added that attitudes may have been different if the inappropriate messages had been sent to a woman. He then called his dismissal “very unfair” and called for MTK Global officials to meet him to hear his “side of the story” and that he would show them “evidence” that it was an “attack out of anger, not what I believe”.
Pro boxer takes a drubbing online after spewing hateful homophobia and transphobia on TikTok.
“Listen, I can understand girls getting with each-other all the time in parties and all things like that,” Hawley said.
“I don’t care,” he continued, “I haven’t got a problem. I’d want them to get with each other in front of me.
“But boys, on the other hand, and transgenders, something seriously wrong with them.
“What in the earth makes you wanna change your gender and get f****d in the ass.
(Offensive video) Today’s Scum is no other than “pro boxer” and really hard man James Hawley. Homophobic Filth. What a hard man. Report the Low life. What an absolute piece of dirt. pic.twitter.com/W7hdWwbDE0— Baga Chipz (@ChipShopBird) July 22, 2020
We, for one, aren’t sure what “in the earth” could explain why people are LGBT+. Maybe it’s something in the soil? The tectonic plates? It’s a mystery.
“What is up with you dirty c***s,” he added. “I feel sorry for your families.”
“Today’s scum is no other than ‘pro-boxer’ and really hard man James Hawley,” tweeted Baga Chipz.
“Homophobic filth. What a hard man. Report the low life. What an absolute piece of dirt.”
Cece Addams revealed on Facebook that, after seeing the video, they reached out to the boxer’s management agency for comment. In light of his vitriol, they said in a direct message to Addams, MTK Global ripped up his contract “with immediate effect”.
“MTK Global does not in any way condone or support the views that were shared in any way, nor will these comments ever be considered as acceptable from any of our fighters, hence the decision that was made by management,” they wrote in the direct message, a screenshot showed.
