Critic of WWE's Anti-bullying Campaign Issues Retraction and Apology

Lisa Wright, program director of the national non-profit organization Council for Unity, has issued a retraction and an apology regarding her criticism of the Be a STAR Alliance's anti-bullying campaign with WWE.

Wright wrote a letter earlier this week criticizing their campaign after receiving an e-mail concerning the numerous "fat jokes" being directed towards performer Vickie Guerrero on television. She asked how the organization's partnership with WWE fits their mission to show tolerance and respect since professional wrestling consists of name calling and threats culminating in violence. She concluded her letter by requesting the removal of the Council for Unity from the Be a STAR Alliance website's list of organization affiliates. Wright, however, has since rescinded her request and issued an apology to WWE and the Be a STAR Alliance:

Yesterday, a letter that I had written, that was never intended to be made public, was. In the letter about my perceptions regarding the alliance between the Be a Star Alliance and the WWE with regard to bullying prevention, it was never my intention to disparage the Be a STAR Alliance, the WWE, the wrestlers or their many fans.

After careful consideration and research on my part, plus some intelligent feedback from some of the loyal fans of WWE, I realize that perhaps I reacted too harshly and without enough information. I have been reminded that the important issue is the prevention of bullying and the protection and support of those that have been victimized by it. Ultimately, my own actions, intended or no, have had a negative impact.

In the spirit of tolerance and understanding, which I have been reminded I must practice as well as preach, I hereby offer an apology to the Be a STAR foundation and the WWE. I also wish to rescind my request that my organization be removed from the Be a STAR Alliance website. There are often many ways to reach a goal; the important thing is that we support each other on our journey.

Again, I sincerely apologize.

Lisa Wright