Ridge Holland Clears Up GoFundMe Misconceptions, Says He Would’ve Said No To The Page If He Was Asked Beforehand
Ridge Holland discusses the GoFundMe page incident.
Earlier this month, Holland’s mother opened a GoFundMe page to help support her son as he navigates financial uncertainty after having his contract terminated early by WWE. At the request of Holland, the page was shut down a few days later, with Holland stating that he plans to donate the page’s amount to charity after he gets back on his feet financially.
Speaking with Busted Open Radio for a new interview, Ridge Holland reiterated that he didn’t know that his mother was setting up the page to begin with. Holland also denounced the scamming allegations.
“The GoFundMe, I’ve been called a scammer and POS. It’s all wrong. The GoFundMe was set up without my knowledge. When I found out, and I looked at who was donating, I was like, ‘People understand the situation.’ When it got to a certain amount, I thought, ‘This can tie me over until I get back on my feet again.’ I closed the GoFundMe, and because of the kindness shown to me, I said, ‘When I can recoup the money myself by earning, I will pay that kindness forward by paying the exact same amount to charity.’ Somehow, that got misconstrued as me being a scammer. I’m not a scammer.”
Holland was then asked why he didn’t want to accept help from the GoFundMe page despite receiving a ton of support and help.
“As a proud man, I’m a firm believer in that it is my cross to bear. I’ve never asked for help. Maybe I’m too proud for my own good. I started getting negative comments from people who didn’t understand the financial situation. ‘Why does this guy need a GoFundMe?’ I thought, ‘I’m going to nip this in the bud. I don’t want anyone to think I’m doing anything untoward. I’m going to use the money that is already donated to get back on my feet.’ It wasn’t a bad thing, it was just the fact that, from my standpoint, if they had asked me upfront about setting up the GoFundMe, I would have said no. This situation is mine to deal with.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Holland revealed that WWE will be paying for his neck surgery. Fans can learn more about his comments by clicking here.
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