Joey Swoll Quits Social Media After Hulk Hogan Tribute Controversy

Fitness influencer Joey Swoll, known for his viral videos calling out toxic gym culture and promoting positivity, has shocked fans by announcing he is “done with social media.” The decision comes after widespread backlash over a Hulk Hogan tribute he posted on the same day the WWE legend passed away.

The Post That Sparked Backlash

Swoll, who has over eight million TikTok followers and more than a million fans on X (formerly Twitter), shared an old gym clip of himself dressed as Hulk Hogan. While the post was intended to honor Hogan, its timing — coinciding with news of Hogan’s death from cardiac arrest — and Hogan’s controversial history caused an uproar among followers.

During a live stream, viewers voiced their disappointment, pointing out the darker parts of Hogan’s legacy. Swoll later admitted he was unaware of the “horrible things” Hogan had been accused of.

Joey Swoll’s Apology

In an emotional video, Swoll said:

“I owe my followers, my community, and all of social media an apology. I have taken the video down, and I apologize to anyone I have offended.”

He explained that he initially became defensive but, after doing his own research, understood why the tribute upset many people.

Stepping Away from Social Media

Despite issuing an apology, the incident seemed to take a toll on Swoll. On X, he posted a statement that many took as a sign of retirement from his online career:

“All the good I’ve done, all the people I’ve helped, all for nothing. No matter how much good you do, people wait for a reason to hate you. You either die a hero, or live long enough to be the villain… I am done.”

Fans React to Joey Swoll’s Exit

The announcement left his millions of fans concerned. Over the years, Swoll has built a reputation for fighting toxic behavior in gyms, standing up for everyday gym-goers, and spreading messages of kindness and respect in the fitness community. His possible departure marks a significant loss for the space.

Whether Joey Swoll’s break from social media is permanent or temporary remains to be seen, but his impact on fitness culture — and the conversations around gym etiquette — is undeniable.

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