A video of UFC President Dana White slapping his wife, Anne, at a nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on December 31, 2022, has resurfaced, igniting widespread controversy on social media. The incident, which initially gained attention shortly after it occurred, was thrust back into the spotlight following UFC commentator Joe Rogan’s recent remarks about the infamous Will Smith–Chris Rock slap at the Oscars.
During a conversation with actor Adam Sandler, Rogan discussed how the Oscars incident had overshadowed Will Smith’s career. “It’s like a guy just showing his a–… why did you do that? He probably wakes up in the middle of the night going, ‘Why did I do that?'” Rogan commented. He further noted that Smith’s slap had become the defining moment of his career, with people now associating the actor more with that moment than with his work in iconic films such as I Am Legend and Ali. “Guy’s an incredible actor… but when people see him, they go, ‘Oh, he slapped Chris Rock,’” Rogan added.
However, Rogan’s comments sparked a wave of backlash online, with many questioning why he had not addressed Dana White’s own controversial actions. Social media users quickly pointed out the glaring omission, challenging Rogan to speak on the matter. One user remarked, “Hey Joe Rogan, when are you going to talk about the domestic violence and slap Dana White did on his wife publicly?” Another chimed in, “I wonder when Joe Rogan sees Dana White, the first thing Joe thinks of is Dana slapping his wife?” The comments continued to roll in, with a third person questioning Rogan’s silence: “Joe Rogan no comments on Dana White slapping his wife at the club?”
For those unfamiliar with the incident, the video shows Dana White and his wife, Anne, involved in a physical altercation at the nightclub. In the footage, White is seen slapping Anne after an apparent argument. The video quickly went viral, causing widespread outrage. Dana White later publicly apologized, expressing deep regret over the incident. “This is one of those situations that’s horrible, I’m embarrassed — but it’s also one of those situations that right now we’re more concerned about our kids,” White told TMZ in the aftermath of the event.
White further explained that he and Anne had spoken to their children about the incident. “We have three kids, and obviously since the video popped up, we’ve shown the kids the video, and we’re more focused on our family right now,” White added, emphasizing that their priority was working through the aftermath as a family.
The timing of the video’s resurgence alongside Rogan’s comments has reignited the debate surrounding public accountability, particularly among high-profile figures. Many are questioning why some incidents receive widespread condemnation and long-lasting repercussions, while others seemingly fade from public scrutiny. As discussions surrounding the video continue to circulate, it raises important questions about the consistency of public outrage and how certain controversies remain in the spotlight while others are overlooked or quickly forgiven.
For now, Dana White remains at the helm of the UFC, though his nightclub incident continues to be a topic of conversation as more people voice their concerns online. With Rogan still silent on the matter, the contrast between his commentary on Will Smith and his apparent reluctance to address White’s actions has only further fueled the debate.
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