Joey Ryan Issues Statement On Allegations Of Sexual Assault And Misconduct
Photo Credit: Bill Pritchard
A number of people have come forward alleging Joey Ryan sexually assaulted them and now the wrestler has issued a statement on the matter.
Ryan posted the following statement, noting that he’s spoken with his lawyer, who advised him not to comment on any specific allegations right now.
“I have been watching along with all of you as the #speakout movement has spread across the internet. I am also aware that my name has been mentioned as part of this discussion.
I have been contemplating how to respond to everything that has unfolded in the last three days. This is an important topic and it truly deserves the time it is getting, even if it is uncomfortable.
After speaking with my attorney, I have been advised not to respond to any specific allegations at this time, and the truth of the matter is, I do not want to spend time dissecting what parts of the stories are true, which parts are different from what I remember and which things being said are outright false. It is important for me to use this platform to take responsibility and not attempt to minimize the feelings of anyone that was hurt by me in order to save face.”
Ryan went on to say that he must take responsibility for his behavior and noted that he’s been in therapy since October 2018, and apologized to anyone “that he did not treat with respect.”
Several people have come forward this week with accounts of how Ryan treated them during travel, at wrestling events and post-show events.
Two weeks after your proposed to your now wife you made sure me and you were the only ones in a taxi back to the hotel, you kept trying to hold me hand no matter how many times I told you to get the fuck off me. I told you I wasn’t interested. https://t.co/VDHLAJYTv5
— Jetta (@jetta_wrestle) June 21, 2020
I’ve had more than one person come forward and told me the abuse you gave them. Don’t you dare say you’ve trie to make it a safe place!!
She would like to remain Anonymous still! But fuck you Joey Ryan!!! #speakingout https://t.co/Mt4r9ma2dP pic.twitter.com/eCTIRBGO0Y
— Sierra Loxton 🌜🔮🌛 (@SierraLoxton) June 21, 2020
Since I'm seeing so many people defend him, fuck anonymity. The man in this story is Joey Ryan. https://t.co/GtbgPlPzBi
— Charlie – Ring Announcer (@thewrestlingmc) June 20, 2020
fuck you david starr
fuck you joey ryan pic.twitter.com/bylOn0rn2r— marky (@yousuckmark) June 20, 2020
Related: IMPACT Wrestling Issues Statement, Reviewing Allegations Against Wrestlers
Ryan is currently signed to a deal with IMPACT Wrestling; the promotion issued a statement after allegations against several wrestlers on their roster were made public.
“It is a core value of the Anthem organization that we conduct our business with respect and integrity, providing a safe and secure work environment for our employees and performers,” the company said in its statement.
“We are following carefully the various allegations being made through social media, and are reviewing all incidents involving Impact Wrestling talent and personnel to determine an appropriate course of action.”
The full statement from Ryan can be seen below:
— Joey Ryan (@JoeyRyanOnline) June 21, 2020