Jay Lethal Releases Statement Regarding Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct
Jay Lethal comments on allegations against him.
In 2018, Taeler Hendrix came forward and alleged she was taken off ROH television for not sleeping with Lethal, who she managed during her time in the company.
Lethal denied the allegations and ROH announced that they had launched an investigation into the matter, which nothing came of.
On July 6, former Women of Honor Champion Kelly Klein alleged Jay Lethal would sexually harass women in ROH and that ROH covered it up. Klein did not specifically reference the 2018 allegations by Hendrix, but said multiple women came forward regarding Lethal.
Klein wrote on social media, “When [J-Rocc] harassed a female member of [ROH] locker room, he was told to leave and was not welcome back. —- MULTIPLE women brought complaints & evidence of sexual misconduct/harassment by Jay Lethal. ROH ignored/covered it up. They only take action when convenient. They are hoping to use another “investigation” to wait everyone out until we ‘forget.’ Thank you, ROH for all of the truly wonderful things you do and have done. Now please address the bad behavior. Do better. Right now you continue to CHOOSE not to. It’s hard when your faves get called out. Imagine what it’s like to be targeted/harassed by that person & not protected because he/she is a ‘favorite.’ People can be talented, friend to many, good for community, & also take advantage of & abuse others. Not mutually exclusive. In fact, qualities that make it hard to accept that a “favorite” could do something horrible are the things they use to gain access to victims & escape accountability. They don’t usually wear a sign or broadcast their bad intentions.”
With allegations being brought up again, Lethal put out the following statement on Monday night:
It has always been my choice to use silence to keep my dignity, refrain from publicly attacking people I’m not fond of, and relying on who I have been as a person to speak for itself. I’ve also never wanted to sue MY platform to boost or give attention to any negativity. I do however know and realize that some people will sadly take my silence to mean something else.
The #speakingout movement has given me hope that the industry that I’ve chosen to give my life to will become a better place. I’ve wanted to stand in support of all those brave enough to share their painful stories. Unfortunately I was afraid to due to the lies that are being said about me.
I have never and would never sexually harass, sexually assault, rape or force myself on anyone. I would never use my status to deny anyone opportunities. Even now, it pain me to know that defending myself might somehow tarnish an important movement and cast doubt on real, troubling experiences.
There is no comfort in silence anymore… pic.twitter.com/Gr0zFbEH8C
— Jay Lethal (@TheLethalJay) July 7, 2020
ROH has not commented on the matter.
Fightful will keep fans updated on the situation as more information is known.
