Wrestling Commentator Fired For Mocking Hikaru Shida's Japanese Accent
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A wrestling commentator has been given the boot from his job after he mocked Hikaru Shida's Japanese accent during a live broadcast of AEW Dynamite.
Spanish-language announcer Willie Urbina was talking about AEW fan favourite Shida during an ad break when he appeared to imitate her accent.
This is absolutely abhorrent. #AEW Spanish commentator Willie Urbina has appeared to mock Hikaru Shida over her Japanese accent during the break on #AEWDynamite last night.
As of right now, no one from AEW has commented.pic.twitter.com/3VCkcY7Whg
- Louis Dangoor (@TheLouisDangoor) May 29, 2021
AEW president and CEO Tony Khan has now axed Urbina before issuing a public apology to Japanesee star Shida, adding that there is "no excuse" for Urbina's behaviour.
"I was not happy with it," Khan said.
I didn't wanna talk about this before my big day, so let me tell you now.
I don't give a shit what other people say about my race because I love it and I proud of it, and because I know which is fool. I don't even feel anger.
So don't need to worry about me :blush: Thank you.
- HIKARU SHIDA 志田 光 (@shidahikaru) June 1, 2021
"So after I heard what was said and having talked to the other commentators involved about what was said about her, who I also apologised to, I thought it was best for the company to make the decision that we made."
Shida was preparing to defend her AEW Women's Championship title against Britt Baker when the comments were made and has remained quiet on the incident - until now it seems.
She took to social media to say that she is "proud" of her race while also insisting she "doesn't give a s**t" about Urbina's disgraceful remarks.
Shida tweeted: "I didn't wanna talk about this before my big day, so let me tell you now. I don't give a s**t what other people say about my race because I love it and I proud of it, and because I know which is fool. I don't even feel anger. So don't need to worry about me."
