The Rock’s daughter, Ava Raine, has reinforced her stance on a post concerning Charlie Kirk’s assassination, sparking significant backlash across social media.
Ava Raine, also known as Simone Garcia Johnson and a 24-year-old WWE wrestler, faced criticism after sharing a message online. The post was perceived as a reaction to the death of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative political activist.
Kirk, a father of two, was tragically shot in the neck while speaking at an event organized by Turning Point USA, a conservative student group, at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday (September 10).
On Instagram, Raine shared a post from New York comedian Gianmarco Soresi that stated: “If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind things when you’re alive.”
Although Kirk was not mentioned directly, the timing of the post coincided with his death, leading many to link the two.
Raine later reiterated her position on Twitter, stating: “And i’ll stand behind this. be kind, now more than ever.”
The post quickly drew criticism, particularly from WWE fans. Many responded with anger, including one comment that read: “Be kind or get assassinated?? I’m sure you’ve said something unkind I know your dad has what an idiotic statement.”
Another user questioned WWE’s position on the matter, asking: “@WWE @TKOGrp does tko and wwe stand behind this?”
A third individual expressed their displeasure: “If your a** ain’t unemployed by the end of the day this shifts to WWE itself. If TKO wants to stand behind some Nepobaby and lose customers, that’s their issue.”
Numerous users also circulated a meme featuring The Rock exclaiming into a microphone: “Shut up b****.”
Raine is not alone in facing criticism over remarks made following Kirk’s murder. Several other public figures have also faced consequences for their comments, which were perceived as inappropriate or celebratory.
The Carolina Panthers terminated Charlie Rock, a member of the communications staff, due to what the team described as an ‘insensitive social media post’.
In addition, MSNBC ended their relationship with analyst Matthew Dowd after he made a speculative on-air comment suggesting Kirk’s death resulted from celebratory gunfire by a supporter.
Authorities have arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, identifying him as the suspected shooter. They believe he shot Illinois-born Kirk from a nearby rooftop on the college campus at approximately 12:20 pm on Wednesday.
Kirk was addressing questions about mass shootings and gun violence when he was struck by a single bullet.
The public is awaiting a response as WWE has been approached for comment.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by gun violence, more information and support are available through Survivors Empowered on their website.