Tessa Blanchard faced major backlash after indie wrestler La Rosa Negra accused her of using a racial slur and spitting on her, claims that Blanchard denied. In fact, fans are now criticizing TNA for releasing new Blanchard merchandise, accusing the company of monetizing racism.
TNAs official Twitter account took to the social media platform and released new merchandise for Tessa Blanchard, which was an I Hate Tessa t-shirt with her face on it. However, it didnt end up getting the reaction they had hoped for as fans blasted the company.
A fan criticized TNA on Twitter, accusing the company of using racism to make money, saying, yall are commercializing racism great, just great. Another fan questioned why people would buy Tessa Blanchards merchandise if they dont like her.
They pointed out that it doesnt make sense to spend money on something connected to someone they have problems with, saying, If people hate Tessa, 2 things! 1. Why TF would we buy her merch if we hate her? And 2. Why would we spend our money that she gets a percentage of?
Another fan said if they hate Tessa, why would they wear her face on their clothes, saying, If I hate Tessa why would I wear her face on myself? Nah. Yet another explained that they dont support Tessa Blanchard and are not buying her merchandise, saying, Yall dont get it. We actually dont f with Tessa. Were not buying merch for it.
It didnt stop there, as another fan pointed out that making light of racism isnt acceptable, saying, Making light of racism isnt it, chief. Another fan commented that this is why TNA is desperate for WWE to buy them, telling the company to read the room, saying, This is why TNA begging WWE to buy them. Read the room.
It is to be noted that TNA Wrestling has no plans to address the racism controversywith Tessa Blanchard. Regardless, many fans feel TNA trying to commercialize the hatred towards Tessa Blanchard is just a tone-deaf move and thats unlikely to change anytime soon.
What do you think about TNAs decision to release I Hate Tessa merchandise in the midst of the racism controversy? Do you think the company is mishandling the situation? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
