The Arnold Classic in Columbus Ohio goes back to 1989, created by none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, who wanted to put a spotlight on bodybuilding. Today, the icon is hoping to also shine a light on the importance of mask wearing. However, some recent comments Schwarzenegger made about those who refuse to mask up didn’t sit well with one of his sponsors.
“There is a virus here. It kills people and the only way we prevent it is: get vaccinated, wear masks, do social distancing, washing your hands all the time, and not just to think about, ‘Well my freedom is being kind of disturbed here.’ No, screw your freedom,” Schwarzenegger said.
Supplement brand REDCON1 has been a big supporter of the event for the last few years, but the company withdrew its corporate sponsorship after the bodybuilding icon’s comments.
Media blitz
Following the withdrawal, Redcon1 issued a press release, with the brand’s founder, Aaron Singerman stating in part, “We can’t in good conscience continue to support & be involved with someone who has such diametrically opposed beliefs.”
When asked by host Danielle Masterson if that was a genuine statement, Singerman responded, “Yes, if somebody has diametrically opposed beliefs of Redcon1 or we feel that they do, we wouldn’t be involved with them. That doesn’t mean that nobody should be, but that means that we can’t. And like I said, Redcon1 is very specific about who we are and who we support. And, you know, we may not be for everybody, but we can’t associate, just because Arnold is an iconic name and a legend in bodybuilding, doesn’t mean that we need to be at all the shows or any of the shows.”