SUMMARY
- UFC star Sean Strickland is famous for his homophobic remarks.
- American tennis star Taylor Fritz is seen liking one of Sean's anti-LGBTQ tweet.
Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, has garnered attention not only for his skills in the octagon but also for his outspoken and “offensive” nature. Strickland’s actions have frequently made headlines throughout his career and he has always been a critical viewer of the LGBTQ community. In the recent lead-up to his title fight at UFC 297, Strickland found himself once again under scrutiny for his controversial comments.
During a press conference, Strickland faced questions regarding a contentious tweet he had posted in 2021. He even engaged in a heated exchange with a reporter, taking the opportunity to express his views on LGBTQ+ issues and criticize Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Idk who this guy is and I don’t care but you’re not a man… But you’d take that as a compliment….. pic.twitter.com/PMR1h4Yp7K
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) January 17, 2024
In response to the reporter’s query, Strickland made disparaging remarks, asserting, “If I had a gay son, I would think that as a man I failed to create such a weakness.” The exchange highlighted Strickland’s contentious stance on LGBTQ+ issues and his willingness to confront those who question him.
Also read: Sean Strickland “Gay Son” Comment: Why Is the LGBTQ Community Upset With UFC Middleweight Champion?
In a recent exchange on X (formerly known as Twitter), American tennis star Taylor Fritz has been caught liking one of Strickland’s tweets where he is seen commenting critically on Pride month saying, “How did the gays get an entire fu*king month lmao..” The tweet was reshared by entrepreneur-influencer Nima Yamini saying, “If the founding fathers would wake up. They’d press the reset button.”
If the founding fathers would wake up.
They’d press the reset button.
— Nima Yamini (@NimaYamini) February 13, 2024
Apparently, Taylor Fritz has liked the reshare of Nima Yamini. Sean’s tweet, which appears to be “homophobic” doesn’t sit well with the thoughts and ideologies of Taylor Fritz’s past words. Taylor, however, immediately declined, saying that he had mistakenly liked the tweet while surfing through Sean Strickland’s X profile.
Holy shit I just got sent this and had a heart attack…. I DEFINITELY didn’t purposefully like this, I was looking at Stricklands profile a couple days ago cause of all the news he was in while in Vegas. I had to of accidentally liked that while scrolling the replies but wow just… https://t.co/N5VIjiuTpg
— Taylor Fritz (@Taylor_Fritz97) February 20, 2024
Giving a stern disclaimer, Fritz said, “I absolutely don’t stand for any of this and if u we’re to look at my likes it’s either all gaming/tennis things I would NEVER do that on purpose..”
Taylor Fritz has openly spoken about gay tennis players
Taylor Fritz has always raised an important question regarding the absence of openly gay players in the sport. Fritz wonders about the possibility of homosexual players within the top ranks, highlighting the statistical likelihood.
In an interview with Clay Tennis, Fritz emphasized his belief in the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within the tennis community, asserting, “Myself and my friends, other players on tour wouldn’t have any issues with it, it would be totally normal.”
He further speculated on the reasons behind the reluctance of players to come out, suggesting a potential aversion to the spotlight and the distractions associated with public attention.
These Taylor Fritz comments to @_claymagazine recently on gay players on the ATP Tour got some attention.
Fritz is right about the stats:
Statistically speaking, it’s estimated that roughly ~7% of people identify as LGBT.
Odds, then, of at least one in a group of 100?
99.93%. pic.twitter.com/Q845fIKzdo
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) December 28, 2022
Fritz said, “I couldn’t tell you why (no one has came out). That would be a lot of big news and maybe people just don’t want to be in the spotlight, maybe they don’t want the distraction of getting all the attention and stuff like that.”
Fritz’s remarks show a sentiment of inclusivity and openness towards homosexuality within the tennis world, showing a supportive environment for individuals of diverse sexual orientations.