UFC 293 event in Sydney, Australia, was marred by a controversy involving Charles Radtke, a debutant who used homophobic slurs during a octagon interview with Daniel Cormier. This incident has placed Dana White’s organization in a difficult situation.
The controversy unfolded during the prelim bout between welterweights Mike Mathetha and Charles Radtke. While the event itself had moments of action, it didn’t gain significant attention until Radtke’s interview.
Charles Radtke, after securing victory, used a homophobic slur directed at the crowd in Sydney. Daniel Cormier, visibly uncomfortable, promptly ended the interview.
It’s crucial to note that slurs of this nature are strictly prohibited on ESPN broadcasts, leading to potential repercussions.
MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter shed light on the legal implications of Radtke’s comments. He shared screenshots of the Anti-discrimination laws in New South Wales, where Sydney is located.
These laws explicitly state that public acts inciting hatred, including homosexual vilification, are against the law.
Radtke’s comments have undoubtedly discriminated against the LGBTQ community. Whether the law enforcement in Sydney chooses to prosecute the UFC welterweight remains to be seen.
Although Radtke secured a significant win at UFC 293, his conduct may have cast a shadow over his achievement in the eyes of the organization.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Charles Radtke issued an apology on Twitter.
Radtke wasn’t the only one either, Manuel Kape also used the same slur.
Dana White was asked about it at the presser and offered:
“That was flying around a little bit tonight. I think these guys get a little excited and you make bad mistakes. Radtke did the same thing and, you know me, we didn’t run over and say ‘you’d better apologize’, he did that on his own. When he got backstage, he was embarrassed, he got caught up in the moment… He got emotional and we make mistakes. I am not holier than thou either, we’ve all been in positions where we’ve made mistakes and it’s how you recover from it and how you carry yourself after you make a mistake. He came out and apologized out of his own free will. We didn’t tell him to do anything and the fact that he did that means that he means it… I’m sure some people will accept his apology and some people won’t.”