Who is Joey Swoll? TikTok star signals social media exit after criticism over Hulk Hogan tribute video

Joey Swoll is a well-known fitness influencer and bodybuilder with over 8 million followers on TikTok. He gained popularity by promoting gym etiquette and encouraging people to be kind and respectful in fitness spaces. Swoll often reacts to viral gym videos, calling out bullying or bad behavior.

Recently, Swoll has been in the spotlight for a very different reason. After the death of WWE legend Hulk Hogan which was reported last Thursday, Swoll shared an old video of himself dressed as Hogan. Many people online called the post disrespectful and poorly timed, especially given Hogan’s controversial past. The backlash came quickly, and Swoll addressed the situation through a public apology.

In his apology, Swoll said he didn’t understand the full extent of Hogan’s actions.

"I didn’t know the extent of all the horrible things that he had done," he said. "I have taken the videos down, and I apologize to anybody that I have offended."

Despite this, the criticism has continued and has led Swoll to suggest he may leave social media altogether in a recent Instagram story.

More details about Joey Swoll

Joey Swoll started his fitness journey as a bodybuilder. Later on, he expanded his brand to social media to reach more people. His videos are frequently characterized by him responding to unacceptable behavior in gyms and advocating respect among people who come to the gyms.

Joey Swoll particularly became known to defend people who were being recorded or ridiculed during their workouts. His message about kindness and support of people was liked by many of his followers. His material contributed to raise awareness about the problem of bullying in fitness centers.

The strategy of Swoll made him have many fans who stuck by him. He even has 8.1 million followers on TikTok alone. It is said that he made the gym a much safer and friendlier place to other people, including beginners.

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Controversy after Hulk Hogan tribute

Following the death of Hulk Hogan, Joey Swoll responded to the news of his death by publishing a video of himself dressed up as the dead wrestler, Hulk Hogan.

According to him, the video was to pay tribute to Hogan as an icon in wrestling. Nonetheless, a number of users noted that the post was tone-deaf and disregarded the racist remarks and actions of Hogan in the past.

In an online-streamed video, Swoll initially defended the post. In his later statement, he stated that he had investigated the background of Hogan and had discovered his misjudgment.

"Since last night, I’ve done a lot of research," he said. "What I found out is way more than just a mistake. I get it now."

Despite the apology, backlash continued. Swoll then posted what looked like a farewell message.

"I am done," he wrote. "All the good I’ve done, all the people I’ve helped, all for nothing...I am done with social media"

Many users criticized the message, saying it lacked accountability.

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Joey Swoll’s future on social media is now uncertain. His apology has not stopped the criticism and his farewell message has brought about even greater discussions. Though he has contributed a lot to gym respect and kindness, now a lot of people doubt his reaction towards this scandal.

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