CrossFit has fired its spokesman, Russell Berger, over anti-gay comments he made on Twitter, the company announced in a statement late Wednesday.
“CrossFit is a diverse community in every way, and that’s what makes us strong. No matter who you are, how you’re built, what you believe, or who or how you love–we are proud of you,” read a message posted to Twitter. “The statements made today by Russell Berger do not reflect the views of CrossFit Inc. For this reason, his employment with CrossFit has been terminated.”
CrossFit is a diverse community in every way, and that’s what makes us strong. No matter who you are, how you’re built, what you believe, or who or how you love—we are proud of you.
— CrossFit (@CrossFit) June 6, 2018
The statements made today by Russell Berger do not reflect the views of CrossFit Inc. For this reason, his employment with CrossFit has been terminated.
— CrossFit (@CrossFit) June 6, 2018
The decision capped a brief, but potentially devastating PR disaster sparked after Berger tweeted his support for an Indianapolis CrossFit location that canceled a gay pride event on Wednesday.
“As someone who personally believes celebrating ‘pride’ is a sin, I’d like to personally encourage #CrossFitInfiltrate for standing by their convictions,” Berger said in a now-deleted tweet. “The intolerance of the LGBTQ ideology towards any alternative views is mind-blowing”
Looks like @CrossFit‘s @BergerRussell deleted that tweet so here’s a screenshot icymi pic.twitter.com/1I2sya7ACO
— Gaycey Musgayves (@ChrisDStedman) June 6, 2018
The company ousted Berger after an original decision to put him on unpaid leave failed to quell growing outrage.
As an update, I’ve been officially terminated.
— Russell Berger (@BergerRussell) June 6, 2018