Chelsea Green posts statement clarifying her response to Hulk Hogan’s death

After receiving backlash from some of her fans on social media, WWE star Chelsea Green has posted a statement clarifying her response to Hulk Hogan’s death.

Green has been making media appearances this week to promote Netflix’s upcoming “WWE: Unreal” docuseries, and she appeared on CBS News 24/7 yesterday for an interview shortly after news of Hogan’s passing broke. Green — who put Hogan’s “polarizing political views aside” — spoke highly of his legacy in the industry, the personal interactions they had, and how much Hogan inspired her husband Matt Cardona when he was growing up as a fan.

The interview and a since-deleted tweet led to Green receiving backlash from a portion of fans who thought she was dismissing the negative parts of Hogan’s legacy, like the racism scandal that led to him being forced out of WWE’s good graces in 2015 before later being welcomed back.

In a social media post, Green responded to those fans and explained her comments.

“A significant part of my role at @WWE involves engaging w the public & responding to questions, often on live platforms,” she wrote. “Yesterday, I was asked to comment on Hulk Hogan on live tv. Let me be clear: my stance on racism is unwavering. I do not condone it—period. If my response (or tweet) seemed dismissive of real concerns, I sincerely apologize. That was never my intention. I tried to acknowledge a death respectfully, even when the legacy is complicated. I am learning one day at a time and will continue to learn. ILY my PatriHOTS, President Chelsea”

WWE is set to pay tribute to Hogan on SmackDown tonight with legends Jimmy Hart, Sgt. Slaughter, and “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase being flown to Cleveland to attend the show.