WWE releases 'Gentleman' Jack Gallagher amid sexual assault allegations, social media applauds swift action
The #SpeakingOut movement trending on social media opened a can of worms against WWE wrestler Jack Gallagher. Gallagher, whose real name is Oliver Claffey, has been accused of sexual assault by a woman named Becky. On June 19, as part of the #SpeakingOut movement, Becky revealed that Gallagher misbehaved with her in 2014, and recounted the incident.
In a series of tweets, Becky expressed how Gallagher behaved inappropriately with her. She tweeted, "On New Year's Eve of 2014 I attended a house party, and Jack Gallagher (Gentleman Jack) was there. Jack got me drunk. While I acknowledge that I am an adult and can make my own decisions, he was literally pouring straight spirits into my glass, putting it to my mouth and telling me to drink."
After getting her drunk Jack reportedly continued making "unwanted advances" at her. When she continued resisting his advances, he followed her to the bathroom. She continued, "At the end of the evening I went to the bathroom, and Jack barged into the room. I immediately stood up and tried to pull my skirt down. Jack grabbed me, and he pulled at my skirt. He pulled so hard he ripped my skirt. I managed to push him away and I left the room, then immediately left the party."
Within a few hours after the allegations were made public, WWE released a tweet and a statement declaring that they had come to terms with Gallagher's release. WWE tweeted, "WWE has come to terms on the release of Jack Gallagher (Jack Claffey)." Although they didn't divulge any details about why they let go of Gallagher, fans were convinced that it had something to do with the sexual assault allegations against him, considering the timing of their announcement.
Later WWE confirmed the same with a statement that they released to ProWrestling. The site stated, "Individuals are responsible for their own personal actions. WWE has zero-tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated."
Following the release of Gallagher, fans began praising WWE for their timely action. A user tweeted, "Just read that Jack Gallagher is gone from WWE. If it happened that quick, that means either evidence or he admitted to it. Good f***ing riddance." Another wrote, "Even tho I liked seeing Jack Gallagher wrestling, it was such a good move by WWE."
"WWE officially announced that Jack Gallagher just got released I love it when they release ppl and they don’t wish them luck in their future endeavors because majority if not always its because they deserved the firing and not to be wished good luck in future aspirations," a user pointed out. "@GentlemanJackG released. Must have been some weight yo the story. F**k you Jack, I hope you never work again. Good on WWE for doing the right thing," shared one user. Another expressed, "Considering Jack has probably just been convicted of rape and WWE said they were going to get rid of anyone convicted This seems like a good approach. No rapists should keep their jobs."