Muhammad Hassan Believes The Character Became Insensitive
Muhammad Hassan is one of the most controversial characters in WWE history, introduced just a few years after 9/11. Hassan was introduced as an Arab-American wrestler wanting relief from the increased prejudice and stereotypes from 9/11.
The character changed over time and ultimately ended when Hassan led a group attack on The Undertaker in a segment that aired days after the London bombings.
Speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Hassan discussed whether he could still play the character in 2020.
“I don’t think I could. I know there’s been some different versions of the character, but I don’t think I could. I don’t think the character could be done the way that it was done 15 years ago, I think it was insensitive. It became very insensitive towards Muslim Americans and Arab Americans people. The way the character changed from being this Arab American who was upset at the unjust treatment of his people to a more radicalized Arab and Muslim young man who was lashing out violently, I don’t think it would be appropriate at this time or be fair to portray any Arab American or Muslim American in that way. I don’t think the character would work in that capacity. Some version of that, maybe, but not that version,” he said.
Hassan was written off television in July 2005 and released in September 2005.
Previously in the interview, Hassan said the character, as it was originally intended to be, would be cheered today. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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