Ric Flair has released a lengthy statement in response to allegations made against him during a recent episode of Dark Side of the Ring.
On the episode analysing the ‘Plane Ride from Hell,’ an air stewardess seemingly alleged that she was sexually harassed by Ric Flair.
The ‘Plane Ride from Hell’ took place following the UK exclusive pay-per-view Insurrextion in May 2002. During the now infamous flight, several performers were involved in incidents that would result in fines, lawsuits and, in the cases of Scott Hall and Curt Hennig, releases from the company.
Posting on social media, Flair said that he had been advised against making a statement but wanted to “clarify a few things.” The WWE Hall of Famer pointed to the ESPN 30 for 30 special on his life and career which didn’t raise similar allegations.
In closing, Flair said that no stories of him forcing himself on anyone were in the ESPN documentary because “it never happened.”
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) September 21, 2021
Flair also issued this follow-up statement to Wrestling Inc.:
To clarify, the “helicopter” as it was called, is accurate. I wish I could blame it on youth, but it was a case of drinking too much and being inappropriate and I apologize for that (and have countless times over the years).
I made some bad decisions during dark periods in my life, and it is something I’ve spent a significant part of years I was given by the doctors in 2017 trying to make right.
I condemn sexual assault in any way, shape or form. I could (and have) written books (as have others) that have covered my transgressions. I’ve made some terrible decisions, but I’ve never forced myself on anyone in any way. Period.
Following the airing of the episode, a Car Shield commercial featuring Flair was “paused.”
Meanwhile, Tommy Dreamer who caused controversy with his comments about the alleged incident has been suspended by IMPACT Wrestling. In addition, he has been removed from his spot as a host on Busted Open Radio.