Hulk Hogan‘s Real American Beer has released a statement following accusations of firing a brand ambassador for being Black.
“We are deeply troubled by the false rumor circulating on social media that a brand ambassador hired by a third-party marketing agency was terminated by Hulk Hogan for racial reasons,” reads the statement from a brand spokesperson. “Real American Beer simply terminated its short-term relationship with the third-party marketing agency. Hulk Hogan was not involved in that decision, and race was not a factor. We are in communication with the agency in an attempt to clear the misunderstanding and incorrect information, and believe that this false statement will be withdrawn.”
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Hulk Hogan attends an NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 16, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Social media influencer Essence Jenai took to TikTok Saturday (July 6) with accusations of racism being aimed at the former wrestler. She claims she was fired as a brand ambassador for the beer after Hulk Hogan met her in person for the first time.
“@Hulk Hogan thanks for making it clear that you don’t work with BLACK brand ambassadors,” Essence captioned the first of two TikToks addressing the matter, where she shares images from the first in-store event alongside Hogan. She also added, “POV: Hulk Hogan paid you to be a brand ambassador and canceled your contract the next day because he realized you were a BLACK brand ambassador.”
She also shared a text exchange indicating she was fired under the guise of the rest of their events being cancelled. After checking social media, however, the model found three non-Black women participating in promotional events for the brand, instead. See her screenshots below.
