The 2023 Mr. Olympia Champion Derek Lunsford opened up about many topics following his Olympia victory.
Derek Lunsford was crowned the new 2023 Mr. Olympia champion on Saturday. Instead of continuing his celebration, Lunsford took to social media to address some hateful and threatening comments he has been receiving.
Lunsford became the 18th Mr. Olympia champion over the weekend. He also became the first bodybuilder to win the biggest title in two separate divisions. Of course, Lunsford won the 212 Olympia title in 2021. After being taken down by Hadi Choopan last year, Lunsford made improvements and flipped the script in 2023.
Following the show, he was receiving hateful comments on social media and addressed these on Monday. First, he spoke on the speculation that he disabled his Instagram account. It was just the opposite.
“There was speculation that I disabled it because of comments and concerns but that’s not true. That’s not me. I love putting out content on my social media, whether that’s my Instagram or my YouTube. It’s not me to disable that for any reason. I want to let you guys know that, not only was my account suspended once, but it was suspended twice in the last 24 hours.”
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Derek Lunsford continued on in his video to address comments made to both him and his family.
Derek Lunsford: “I Just Hope That We Can Respect Each Other”
Derek Lunsford credited all competitors for their performance over the weekend but felt the need to speak on the behavior of certain fans on social media.
“I just want to say that there is a point where it does cross the line and that’s whenever my family gets involved. Whenever there are threats being made to my family or myself. That’s way too far.
I can’t control what others are gonna do or what they’re gonna say. I just ask that we’re all respectful to each other. I do believe that there are many people that support me and support all of the bodybuilders. It doesn’t matter whether you’re from the U.S. or from Iran or from Brazil, or from any part of the world, I believe there are good people everywhere.”
Derek Lunsford continued to speak on his relationship with Hadi Choopan. The day after the Olympia, the two did a photoshoot together for Evogen, who sponsors both athletes.
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“I have love for everyone from Iran. I have love for Hadi’s fans but I would appreciate it if we could be a bit more respectful and I ask that from everyone. I want the people who support me to be respectful of my competitors, Whether it be Hadi or anyone else. And as we mentioned yesterday, Hadi had put out a statement and let everyone know that all is well.”
The statement ended with Lunsford speaking on his passion for bodybuilding and how all competitors share this so there should be respect among fans.
“We have so much passion for bodybuilding and we put our heart and soul into this. I know how it feels to be a champion and win the whole thing and I know what it’s like to lose. If you’re at the Olympia, you’re the best in the world. You’re among the best bodybuilders on the planet. You need to take pride in that.
Once again, I have much love and respect for my competitors and the fans of my competitors. I just hope that we can respect each other and respect the fact that we pour our heart and soul into this.”
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