Fitness influencer Joey Swoll, who has amassed a following of millions by holding people accountable online, says he's done with social media.
Swoll posted an old photo of himself dressed as Hulk Hogan the same day the wrestling legend died. The photo was met with swift criticism by many who pointed out Hogan's troubled past and questioned why Swoll would want to honor such a controversial figure.
Swoll then went live, where fans in the comments section continued to let him have it. During the live, Swoll dug himself deeper when he used the word "colored" instead of "people of color."
Swoll posted a lengthy apology video for the incident in which he said he only wanted to remember the Hulk Hogan that inspired him as a kid. He says that after diving into Hogan's background, he realized what a "horrible" person he was and deleted his photo honoring the wrestler.
Swoll also apologized for using the term "colored," calling it a "very outdated, very offensive" term. However, the apology video wasn't enough, as fans continued to attack Swoll.
He then took to Twitter to post another lengthy statement where he said, "All the good I've done, all the people I've helped, all for nothing. I truly hope all the people I've inspired do great things in their life and pay it forward to help others and carry on my message." He continued, "You either die a hero, or live long enough to be the villain. Thank you for your support. I am done."
Swoll went on to claim he'd received death threats, but what really sent him over the edge was attacks against his girlfriend, business partner, and sister.
He added, "So yea, maybe I am done with social media or need to take a break and get my head right."
While the criticism has been immense, Swoll did thank some of his supporters, saying, "Thank you to everyone even those giving me a kick in the a** telling me to stop being weak and a quitter. You need to hear it once in awhile. I just need to breathe."
