WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil opened up about his reason for joining the fight to promote awareness and provide support for victims of sexual assault in a powerful video for Mic. The video is part of a new initiative launched by Mic for Sexual Assault Awareness Month called “Athletes United,” that aims to challenge the toxic culture of sexual assault and abuse in the world of sports.
Titus revealed his very personal reason for adding his voice to the cause:
My mother was sexually assaulted at 11 years old, ad that’s how I was conceived — via rape. And so for me, I’m very passionate about making sure that the same thing that happened to my mother doesn’t happen to other women or young men around the world.
To honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Mic launched “Athletes United” in partnership with Levy and Vincent. The participating athletes are part of “Athletes for Impact,” which connects professional athletes to social justice causes. Collectively, these athletes are working to raise awareness of sexual assault, show support for survivors and challenge a sports culture where sexual abuse is pervasive.
Other athletes involved are WNBA players Elizabeth Williams and Layshia Clarendon, NFL free agent DeAndre Levy, former NFL cornerback Wade Davis, and former Blue Jays second baseman Orlando Hudson. You can learn more about their stories here.
