Jack Claffey, also known as former WWE talent “Gentleman” Jack Gallagher, has issued a statement on his release from the company and the sexual assault accusation.
Claffey was released by WWE in June 2020 following an accusation by a woman who said he sexually assaulted her at a New Year’s Eve party in 2014.
You can read his full statement below:
Following an allegation made in June 2020 as part of the #SpeakingOut movement, I was released from my contract with the WWE.
I didn’t release a statement then because it didn’t feel the right thing to do at the time. I have now taken the time to process what has happened and would like to respond.
In 2014, at a New Year’s Eve party, I met a young woman and my behavior towards her was inappropriate. As this party was nearly six years ago and I had drunk quite a large amount of alcohol that night, unfortunately, I do not recollect what happened.
I wish to make it clear that drinking is not an excuse for my behavior that night. I want to express my deepest regrets, and I am genuinely sorry for the upset that I have caused.
Following these allegations, I proactively contacted the Head of WWE Talent Relations to take responsibility for my actions, as I was aware that the woman who made the allegations and I had both attended the same New Year’s Eve party. I was informed that this would be a breach of the company ethics policy, and this is what lead to my release from contract with the WWE.
This isolated incident is not reflective of my behavior and attitude towards women. As a man, I know I can do better, and with the support of my wife, I have taken the time over the last few months to understand what I can do. But this is not about me, but about the women that come forward as part of the #SpeakingOut movement. I will continue to support women and this movement to the best of my ability.
https://twitter.com/MrCaptJack/status/1312836051526770688?s=20