In a statement released Monday, boxer Yusaf Mack retracts allegations he made that he was drugged into appearing in a gay adult film. Mack also came out as bisexual.
Said Mack,
This is an issued public apology from my heart. I want to address a few situations with the first being the false claims I made about being drugged during the Dog Pound adult film.
I have never spoke negatively about the company that produced the film although the claim to have been given a drug by someone during set was a lie. I was completely aware and fully conscious during the film.
Mack previously said he had no memory of appearing in the film in question. He said he thought he was going to be appearing in a heterosexual adult film and that when he arrived on set he saw naked women present. He then alleged he was given a shot of vodka and a pill of some sort, which he believed was some sort of ecstasy-like drug that also caused him to lose his memory. Philly.com speculated he may have been given GHB or “G.”
RELATED: Boxer Who Appeared in Gay Adult Film Says He Was Drugged Into It
In explaining why he decided to appear in the film, Mack cited his sexuality:
“The second situation, which further explain the first, concerns my lifestyle. I did participate in the adult film because at the time I needed money but also because I am a bisexual man. Meaning I enjoy safely being intimate with whomever I choose.”
Mack went on to “address the reason” why he lied:
“My life was completely destroyed once it had been outed that I participated in a gay film. I selfishly tried to cover the truth and remain in denial, rather than accept the fact that I was leading a double life secretly.
After reflecting on the mess I had made I realized that I hurt a lot of my loved ones and the people I cared about the most were left disappointed and confused. It was unfair and time to come clean. I want to say sorry to my children and my ex fiancé, I am so sorry that I was a coward and hid a huge part of my life from you all.”
To his former friends who “now feel disgust” knowing Mack is a bisexual, Mack said, “I’m sorry, but this is my life.” He added:
“I’m not looking for sympathy or even understanding, I’ve kept this secret for a long time. It is time to move forward and this is me walking in my truth.
There are other men and women that are set up in the similar situations and I just hope I can be inspiration to be just be you. The extreme taboo and harsh criticism of living a same-sex lifestyle, especially as an African- American male, makes it hard to be completely honest and comfortable within yourself.
But I had to remember that I am a champ & I can fight and will fight through this. I am more than my sexual orientation. To all of my supporters I thank you dearly.”
Well said, Mack.
Mack’s statement comes on the heels of one released by DogPoundUSA.com on Friday, insisting Mack was not drugged into performing in the video. The statement also threatened legal action against Mack.
[h/t Black Sports Online]
