Keith Lee Shares His Personal Speaking Out Story, Says Victims Are Not Alone
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Keith Lee of the USA fights Zack Sabre Jr of Great Britain during the Progress Wrestling Super Strong Style 16 at Alexandra Palace on May 7, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Throughout the past week, a ton of allegations regarding sexual assault and misconduct has rocked the world of wrestling. Taking to social media, NXT superstar and North American Champion Keith Lee addressed the allegations, and shared his own personal story in relation to the allegations.
Not out of spite.
Not because I want to cause anyone harm.
Not out of hate or anger.
I simply want you to know… #YouAreNotAlone
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I am #SpeakingOut pic.twitter.com/PKq2oxgIVD— Hopeful Lee (@RealKeithLee) June 23, 2020
In his statement, Lee recounted his own story, stating that sometime in 2016 or 2017, he was drugged while at a bar after speaking to someone for some time, and woke up in a hotel room nude. According to Lee, this incident is why he has sparingly drank, with Lee also saying that he wanted to share the story to acknowledge that something like that can happen to anyone. Lee also acknowledged the bravery and courage it takes for someone to come forward with their own stories, something that undoubtedly played a role in Lee deciding to share his.
For Lee’s full statement, check out below:
I am going to share a story with you that very, VERY few know. I am watching friends and associates #SpeakOut. I am noticing how much strength it is taking for them to bring forth their stories. I shall share one of my own.
I cannot lock down the time frame because of how hazy it was for me. However, I was living in TX still during this time. Perhaps 2016 or 2017. I was in Dallas for an event, or maybe just to visit family. Afterwards, I went to an old bar I would sometimes visit and sing at.
I had been some time, so I was unfamiliar with the atmosphere. But the vibe of the music kept me interested. Eventually I got to sing a song. Afterward, a young lady asked to sit with me. I was alone so I did not mind and welcomed her.
We went on to talk about the beauty of music and books. Random philosophies of life. It truly was a pleasant conversation. I am often told I am … oblivious … when someone is interested in me. And I would have to concur as I did not realize the interest until she blatantly expressed it. To which I declined as I was taken at the time.
She was disappointed, but still pleasant. She would continue to make passes throughout the night, citing all that she wanted to do to me. I politely declined and explained I enjoyed the company, but that chat could not continue. I then offered to buy her a drink as an apology before I headed to the restroom. She declined and said she’d buy me one because she enjoyed my song so much, that I could go ahead for the bathroom. I expressed gratitude and went to put in a song before heading for the restroom.
I would return to fresh drinks. We’d continue discussing the types [of] training I do. I’d try to get her to sing, but she would act shy and decline, saying she enjoyed listening to others, but didn’t want attention on her. I even offered help with “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s kind of my go to when people are nervous about karaoke. I try to be inviting. And that [song] is pure fun!
Unfortunately … It’s right around here things become extremely fuzzy for me. No matter how much I rack my brain, all I find myself able to recall is struggling to make it to the stage … and stumbling toward a car. After that … I recall waking up naked in a hotel room (I don’t even recall if it was my own room), confused and in a panic. I was fortunate enough to have my essentials such as wallet and phone. But … who knows what all I lost.
To this day … I know not what happened. I have tried to forget about it ever since … But I tell this story, so people understand. Anyone can be a victim. ANYONE. It is why I randomly stopped drinking. And why it remains such a rarity to this day.