WWE Superstar Keith Lee has revealed in a candid Twitter posted that he was "drugged and raped" by a woman he had turned down at a bar.
For those who are unaware, the professional wrestling industry is currently being rocked by a social media movement called #SpeakingOut, which has seen dozens of pro-wrestlers, trainers, and bookers being called out on Twitter for abusing other talent or fans.
The accusations range from emotional abuse to rape, and the UK wrestling scene has been the hardest hit, with wrestlers like Travis Banks, Jordan Devlin, and Jack Gallagher all being named, The Sportster reports.
Now, however, current WWE Superstar Keith Lee, who wrestles on the company's NXT brand, has taken to Twitter to share his own story of personal assault.
Writing to his 105,000+ followers, Lee captioned the post: Not out of spite. Not because I want to cause anyone harm. Not out of hate or anger. I simply want you to know... #YouAreNotAlone . I am #SpeakingOut".
The current North American Champion accompanied the post of screenshots detailing his ordeal. He writes:
"I am going to share a story with you that very, VERY few know. I am watching friends and associates #SpeakOut. I am noticing how much strength it is taking for them to bring forth their stories. I shall share one of my own.
"I cannot lock down the time frame because of how hazy it was for me. However, I was living in (Texas) still during this time. Perhaps 2016 or 2017.
"I was in Dallas for an event, or maybe just to visit family. Afterwards, I went to an old bar I would sometimes visit and sing at.
"It had been some time, so I was unfamiliar with the atmosphere. But the vibe of the music kept me interested.
"Eventually I got to sing a song. Afterwards, a young lady asked to sit with me. I was alone so I did not mind and welcomed her.
"We went on to talk about the beauty of music and books. Random philosophies on life. It truly was a pleasant conversation.
"I am often told I am …. oblivious …. when someone is interested in me. And I would have to concur as I did not realize the interest until she blatantly expressed it. To which I declined as I was taken at the time.
"She was disappointed, but still pleasant. She would continue to make passes throughout the night, citing all that she wanted to do to me. I politely declined and explained I enjoyed the company, but that chat could not continue.
"I then offered to buy her a drink as an apology before I headed to the restroom. She declined and said that she’d buy me one because she enjoyed my song so much, that I could go ahead for the bathroom. I expressed gratitude and went to put in a song before heading for the restroom.
"I would return to fresh drinks. We’d continue discussing the types training I do. I’d try to get her to sing, but she would act shy and decline, saying she enjoyed listening to others, but didn’t want attention on her. I even offered help with ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ It’s kind of my go to when people are nervous about karaoke. I try to be inviting. And that sing is pure fun!
"Unfortunately … it’s right around here things become extremely fuzzy for me. No matter how much I rack my brain, all I find myself able to recall is struggling to make it to the stage.
"I recall waking up naked in a hotel room (I don’t even recall if it was my own room), confused and in a panic. I was fortunate enough to have my essentials such as wallet and phone. But … who knows what all I lost.
"To this day …. I know not what happened. I have tried to forget about it ever since …. But I tell this story, so people understand. Anyone can be a victim. ANYONE.
"It is why I randomly stopped drinking. And why it remains such a rarity to this day."
Despite being flooded with many supportive messages, Lee was criticized by one Twitter user who replied saying:
"I just don’t see how this is the same. Some huge guy getting hit on at a bar. In fact, I think this takes away from the very issue that these women are facing. You find a way to make it about you. I’m sorry for all those who did speak out and went through hell. This guy didn’t"
However, Lee was not going to let his personal experience be questioned, and replied to the user, telling him that he was "drugged and raped" and "assault is assault".
Lee wrote:
"I expected someone of your level ignorance to show up...even though this isn't for you. Why are you in this thread?
"Are you searching for details? I was drugged and raped. That's all you get. Assault is assault. However it comes, that's what it is. Begone."
We commend everybody currently speaking out about assault and abuse.
