AKIRA issued a public statement on Thursday urging fans to stop sending hateful messages to Masha Slamovich following his allegations of domestic violence. Posting on Twitter, he called for forgiveness and accountability rather than retribution, despite the severity of the claims against the TNA star.
In a lengthy message, AKIRA addressed the backlash directed at Slamovich. “However, please do NOT wish ill will, enough of that has been said and it’s been hard to detach,” he wrote. “I loved her and still love her in the bottom of my heart and anyone pushing her to do something drastic, needs to learn the art of forgiveness.”
He emphasized his belief in Slamovich’s potential for personal growth and continued success as a performer. “I believe that she has good in her and that she will evolve in a positive way,” he said. “I want her to grow as a Human and I want her to continue her work as a wrestler when she finally becomes that person.”
AKIRA’s plea for empathy comes as new details surface. A former roommate of Slamovich has accused her of making death threats and physically assaulting AKIRA. In a separate statement, Alexander Atkisson, AKIRA’s real name, revealed he attempted suicide multiple times during the relationship.
In response to the initial allegations, TNA Wrestling confirmed it had opened an internal investigation. Slamovich has since been removed from her scheduled Knockouts Championship match at Victory Road and pulled from several independent promotions. On Wednesday, September 24, she released her own statement describing the relationship as “toxic and mutually destructive.”
The controversy coincides with a Fightful Select report noting that Slamovich’s TNA contract is nearing expiration.
AKIRA concluded his statement by stressing accountability over punishment. “We must take accountability and repent for those actions in which we hurt others, but I believe in forgiveness and change,” he said. “Do not wish pain and suffering. Wish for change and accountability.”