Chelsea Green, a Canadian WWE superstar, has decided to step back from social media following a torrent of death threats and online harassment stemming from her tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. The backlash escalated rapidly after she praised Hogan, who passed away at 71 on July 24, 2025, during a CBS News 24/7 interview. Green reflected positively on her personal experiences with Hogan, while briefly acknowledging his political views, which have been contentious among fans. Her nuanced take on his legacy sparked criticism from some who felt she was downplaying the problematic aspects of his history, particularly a racism scandal that had previously led to his suspension from WWE.
In 2015, Hogan was removed from WWE programming after racially insensitive remarks surfaced in a leaked tape, unveiling his use of slurs and revealing his uncomfortable views on race within the context of his daughter’s dating life. The revelation forced WWE to take a strong stance against racism, which marked a significant point in the wrestling industry’s accountability culture. Following Hogan’s death, the re-examination of his legacy has created divisive opinions among fans and wrestlers alike. Green’s comments, perceived by some fans as dismissive of Hogan’s past misdeeds, caught renewed scrutiny during a time of heightened sensitivity regarding these issues.
Green’s remarks attempted to strike a balance between honoring Hogan’s contributions to wrestling while acknowledging the complexities of his legacy. She articulated her belief that fans from the ’80s and ’90s saw Hogan as an influential figure, stating, “If it weren’t for Hulk Hogan, many of us in the wrestling industry absolutely would not be here.” However, her insistence on celebrating Hogan’s impact may have overshadowed the need to critique his controversial past. In follow-up remarks on social media, she reiterated her firm stance on anti-racism, affirming that her intention was never to minimize the serious issues surrounding Hogan’s legacy.
As backlash mounted, Green faced a wave of personal attacks and threats, leading her to describe the online toxicity as overwhelming and unmanageable. In her emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), she explained how the negativity has made social media feel unsafe, prompting her to prioritize her mental well-being. She acknowledged her struggle with maintaining a positive online presence amidst escalating hostility, demonstrating the detrimental impact that social media can have on mental health, especially for public figures.
Before her hiatus, Green expressed remorse over any miscommunication in her prior responses, apologizing if her comments seemed dismissive to those deeply affected by Hogan’s past actions. She emphasized her desire to learn and grow from this experience, recognizing that discussing complex legacies requires a careful and respectful approach. With her heartfelt apology and reflections, Green endeavored to restore some level of goodwill and understanding amid an increasingly polarized environment.
At present, Chelsea Green remains on a social media hiatus without a specified timeline for her return. This situation underscores the often troubling intersection between celebrity, fans, and social media dynamics, which can quickly devolve into toxic environments. It serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility that public figures carry in discussing sensitive subjects and the profound effects that negative online interactions can have on their mental health. The wrestling community and fans await her return as she focuses on her well-being, hoping for more constructive dialogues in the future surrounding complex legacies like Hogan’s.
