Ronda Rousey, a former MMA fighter and professional wrestler, recently issued a public apology for reposting a conspiracy video about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting. In her statement, she admitted that the decision to share the video was the “single most regrettable decision” of her life. Rousey acknowledged that she didn’t even believe the video but was seeking an alternative fiction to cling to due to horror at the truth. She expressed deep regret for the hurt caused by her actions, acknowledging that she deserved to be criticized and labeled for them.
Despite realizing her mistake and promptly removing the post, Rousey admitted that the damage was already done. She confessed that she had drafted numerous apologies over the years, including one for her memoir, but had been advised to omit it to avoid reopening emotional wounds. Rousey acknowledged that she should have faced consequences for her actions and expressed remorse for the pain she contributed to those affected by the massacre. She emphasized that the apology, though delayed, came from the depth of her soul.
Rousey’s apology resurfaced on Reddit when she invited users to ask questions about her fundraising campaign for her graphic novel. Some users raised concerns about the lack of a strong apology for perpetuating a conspiracy theory about the shooting. The families of the victims, who had suffered torment, threats, and abuse due to such beliefs, were awarded $1.5 billion in a lawsuit against a conspiracy theorist. While a spokesperson for the families’ lawyer did not comment on Rousey’s apology, Rousey expressed shame and remorse for the pain she inadvertently caused.
In her statement, Rousey warned others about the dangers of falling into the “black hole” of conspiracy theories. She highlighted that indulging in such theories does not make one edgy or an independent thinker but rather leaves them feeling powerless, afraid, miserable, and isolated. Rousey’s public apology serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of spreading misinformation and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Overall, Ronda Rousey’s apology for reposting a conspiracy video about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting highlights the significance of acknowledging mistakes, taking responsibility, and learning from past actions. Her sincere regret and admission of fault serve as a reminder of the impact of spreading misinformation and the importance of critical thinking in an age of rampant conspiracy theories.
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