The Rock Speaks Out Against Under Armour CEO’s Pro-Trump Comments
Even Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson’s gym time is now being affected by politics.
On Thursday, the wrestler turned actor offered a lengthy response — alongside a photo of him at the gym — to Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank, who praised President Trump during an interview on CNBC earlier in the week. “To have such a pro-business president is something that is a real asset for the country,” Plank said in part. “People can really grab that opportunity.”
The Rock, a spokesman for the sportswear company, explained that his views are not in line with Plank’s. However, he’s decided to stand by the brand, despite negative feedback on social media about Plank’s remark and its condemnation by another celebrity ambassador for the company, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry.
“I appreciate and welcome the feedback from people who disagree (and agree) with Kevin Plank’s words on CNBC, but these are neither my words, nor my beliefs,” he wrote. “His words were divisive and lacking in perspective. Inadvertently creating a situation where the personal political opinions of UA’s partners and its employees were overshadowed by the comments of its CEO.”
Related: The Rock Doesn’t Regret Calling Fast & Furious Co-Stars ‘Candy A**es’: ‘I Was Very Clear With What I Said’
The Rock added that a company is not defined by a single person, but he did criticize Plank for his words.
“We don’t partner with a brand casually,” the actor wrote. “I partner with brands I trust and with people who share my same values. That means a commitment to diversity, inclusion, community, open-mindedness and some serious hard work. But it doesn’t mean that I or my team will always agree with the opinion of everyone who works there, including its executives. Great leaders inspire and galvanize the masses during turbulent times, they don’t cause people to divide and disband.”
The Rock had nothing but love for the rest of the Under Armour team.
“My responsibility here is not only to the global audience we serve, but also to the thousands of workers who pour blood, sweat, and tears into making Under Armour strong,” he wrote. “A diverse group of hardworking men and women who possess integrity, respect and compassion for one another and the world they live in. Debate is healthy. But in a time of widespread disagreement, so is loyalty. I feel an obligation to stand with this diverse team, the American and global workers, who are the beating heart and soul of Under Armour and the reason I chose to partner with them.”
In a statement released Wednesday, the Baltimore-based company seemed to distance itself from Plank’s comments, too.
“We engage in policy, not politics,” the statement read in part. “We believe in advocating for fair trade, an inclusive immigration policy that welcomes the best and the brightest and those seeking opportunity in the great tradition of our country, and tax reform that drives hiring to help create new jobs globally, across America and in Baltimore.”
One thing is for sure: The Rock will continue to lift weights, no matter what he’s wearing.
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