Boxer Ryan Garcia Apologizes for Racist Slurs and Announces Plan to Enter Rehab
Ryan Garcia issued an apology through a series of social media posts on Friday after making racial slurs against Black people and derogatory comments about Muslims during a livestream. The 25-year-old boxer, who was expelled by the World Boxing Council (WBC) on Thursday because of his remarks, also announced on X that he plans to enter rehab.
In his apology, Garcia stated, “I take all responsibility for my words. It’s been a tough couple of months as everyone can tell, but I AM SORRY.” He acknowledged his struggle with substance abuse, saying it has been difficult to manage with everything going on.
However, his subsequent posts undermined his apology. Garcia insisted, “I stand on the fact that a black man can be racist” and claimed, “In the hood everyone has said the N word.” He also complained that other fighters had made racist statements without facing discipline from the WBC.
Last month, Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled that his April 20 victory over Devin Haney would be considered a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Leading up to the Haney fight, concerns were raised about Garcia’s erratic behavior both in person and on social media, which included conspiracy theories and apparent cries for help. After the fight, Garcia denied having any problems, asking, “Come on, guys, you really thought I was crazy?”
In June, Garcia was arrested after allegedly causing $15,000 worth of damage at a Beverly Hills hotel. His attorney described the period as “an extraordinarily challenging time for Ryan, as he has been grappling with devastating news regarding his mother’s health.”
On Friday, former world champion Oscar De La Hoya, who now promotes Garcia, condemned the boxer’s behavior in a statement on X. “There is no room for hate or intolerance at my company. Period. I condemn Ryan’s words in the strongest terms possible,” De La Hoya wrote. He acknowledged Garcia’s apology but emphasized that it was only the beginning of a long process to regain trust and respect. De La Hoya expressed hope that Garcia would use his time away from the sport to address his issues and offered support in any way possible.
Overall, while Garcia has apologized and plans to seek rehabilitation, his situation remains complicated by his conflicting statements and ongoing struggles both personally and professionally.