Yesterday (June 23), Ring of Honor’s Marty Scurll responded to a woman’s story which said he sexually abused her while she was 16 years old, and drunk.
Scurll’s post drew criticism for, among other things, not including an apology. This afternoon, he’s posted a longer statement which offers more details about the incident. It also asks for forgiveness for his role in fostering the environment the #SpeakingOut movement is shining light on - a role he says he was unaware he was playing.
Here’s Scurll’s second comment, which he tweeted earlier today:
“In 2015 after a wrestling event in the UK, I had a brief consensual sexual encounter with a woman. In that moment, at a bar, in those circumstances, I had no cause to question her age.
I don’t say any of this lightly or to seek absolution for my ignorance. Although I did not become aware of her age until after the encounter, the reality of the age disparity is not lost on me. I understand that although our encounter was technically legal in the UK, my lack of good judgement that evening has disappointed many fans.
This week, the woman I’m reference bravely shared her stories of abuse she experienced while attending wrestling events during that time period. My name has been included in one of the recollections she has shared. I can only speak to what I know to be true and my own actions.
It is my understanding that this woman continuously supported our sport through her attendance at events, seminars, and training sessions, and as an industry, we failed her. I cannot begin to understand the difficulty she must be experiencing, and in that spirit I ask that you please continue to respect her privacy.
My immediate priority is to seek forgiveness for unknowingly contributing to a culture that for too long has promulgated ego over humanity and hurt many along the way. For those of us with a voice that can reach beyond our own doorsteps, it is our shared responsibility to be better and do more.
The system must change to protect the most vulnerable and provide an ecosystem where female fans and athletes can engage and participate safely. The time is now. As a person who has been identified as part of the problem, I am unreservedly committing to be part of the solution. In the very short term, I am looking to work within the industry to create better security protocols at events to provide a safe environment for all fans.
Words are no longer enough, action is needed.”
Ring of Honor, where Scurll is head booker in addition to being talent, has not commented on the allegation, or his statements.