Dumped Australian wrestler Buddy Murphy has apologised for what’s been described as a tone deaf social media post, comparing his new status as a free agent to being released from slavery.
The former WWE Cruiserweight champion took to social media to inform his followers his 90-day WWE non-compete clause is expiring, meaning he is now able to wrestle for another promotion.
Murphy, now known as Buddy Matthews, posted a pic of a pair of hands breaking free from chains with the caption: “It’s here! #FreeAgent”.
The post attracted a barrage of criticism online by followers who were upset he would trivialise slavery by comparing it to working for the WWE.
Fans online also highlighted how the image that Murphy uploaded is the second image listed on a Google image search for “freedom”.
Murphy deleted the tweet and apologised for any offence caused.
“My apologies for the tweet I posted earlier today if it offended you,” he wrote.
“It wasn’t my intention AT ALL! And FAR from what I intended it to mean! deleted the tweet. Once again. My apologies!”
Moments later he issued a new post with a new image of two birds flying out of a cage.
https://twitter.com/WWE_Murphy/status/1432733619815174151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Murphy has expressed frustration with his non-compete clause in recent months, and posted a clip of himself wearing what appeared to be a white prison jumpsuit.
Murphy has been tipped to continue his career with Impact Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling Dynamite or Major League Wrestling.
He is one of several ex-WWE stars including Ruby Riott, Braun Strowman, Lana, Aleister Black who were all released from their WWE contracts back on 2 June.
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