Ronda Rousey, the former UFC champion and professional wrestler, has issued an apology that is as overdue as it is necessary. On Thursday night, in a post on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Rousey expressed deep regret for sharing a conspiracy video about the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre over a decade ago. The tragedy, which occurred in 2012, claimed the lives of 20 first-graders and six educators, leaving an indelible mark on the nation.
Rousey’s apology followed a difficult “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) session on Reddit, where she faced numerous questions about the controversial video she had posted 11 years ago. In her post, she admitted to long regretting the decision, which she described as “the single most regrettable decision of my life.” Despite realizing her mistake almost immediately and taking down the video, Rousey revealed that she had struggled with guilt and shame for years.
“I apologize that this came 11 years too late, but to those affected by the Sandy Hook massacre, from the bottom of my heart and depth of my soul, I am so sorry for the hurt I caused,” Rousey wrote in her heartfelt apology. “I can’t even begin to imagine the pain you’ve endured, and words cannot describe how thoroughly remorseful and ashamed I am of myself for contributing to it.”
Rousey explained that fear and self-interest had kept her from addressing the issue sooner. She had even attempted to include an apology in her last book, only to be discouraged by her publisher. But after her recent AMA, Rousey decided it was time to take responsibility publicly, acknowledging that she deserved to be “canceled” for her actions.
Her apology serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability, even when no one else knows about the wrong she committed. “A wrong is a wrong, whether the whole world sees it or it’s only known in the quiet of your own heart,” Rousey wrote.
The former MMA star also issued a warning about the dangers of conspiracy theories, reflecting on how easily people can be misled by false information. “To anyone else that’s fallen down the black hole of bullshit, it doesn’t make you edgy or an independent thinker,” she cautioned. “You’re not doing your due diligence entertaining every possibility by digesting these conspiracies. They will only make you feel powerless, afraid, miserable, and isolated. You’re doing nothing but hurting others and yourself.”
Rousey’s apology, though late, is a sobering reminder of the long-lasting impact of spreading misinformation, especially in today’s world, where conspiracy theories can easily take root and cause real harm. It’s never too late to take responsibility for one’s actions, and Rousey’s words serve as a crucial lesson in the power of truth and the importance of making amends.
