Fitness Influencer Joey Swoll Returns to Social Media
Renowned fitness influencer Joey Swoll made a bold return to social media on Friday after facing criticism over his tribute to the late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. Known as the “CEO of Gym Positivity,” Swoll, whose real name is Joey Sergo, had stepped away from his platforms for four days but came back with a message of resilience and determination not to be silenced.
Swoll addressed his 8 million TikTok followers, stating unequivocally, “Love me or hate me, I am not going anywhere and you are not going to cancel me.” He emphasized, “I am not quitting and I am done apologizing,” marking the end of his brief hiatus.
Backlash Over Tribute Video
The controversy began after Swoll posted a video where he humorously dressed up as Hogan in a tribute to the wrestling icon, who passed away from a heart attack on July 24. This costume was reportedly a gift from Hogan himself.
Critics on social media expressed their outrage over the tribute, citing Hogan’s complex history, which includes various scandals. In response, Swoll chose to delete the video and posted an apology, acknowledging that he was unaware of the “horrible, horrible things that man has done.”
On July 29, Swoll issued a heartfelt goodbye message, expressing his disillusionment with online judgment, stating, “All the good I’ve done, all the people I’ve helped, all for nothing.” He reflected on how, despite inspiring many, he felt that his efforts to help others were overshadowed by negativity.
Committing to Positive Change
Upon his return, Swoll took a stand against online bullying. In a new video, he called out behavior he labeled as bullying in gyms, highlighting the importance of support in fitness communities.
“Don’t you wish we had someone to call out bullies in the gym?” appeared in a text bubble within the video. Swoll then declared, “I just needed a few days to step back, to breathe, to get my mind right.”
He revealed that the outpouring of support from fans, with many urging him to keep going, motivated him to return. “Messages giving me the good kick in the a– that I needed to get back up,” he said.
Swoll concluded his message by reasserting his commitment to advocating for a positive gym culture and encouraging others to stand against bullying, stating, “My message is do better, NOT be perfect.”
