‘One less MAGA’: Florida school board head mocks Hulk Hogan's death, later apologizes for 'cruel' comment

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA: Alachua County School Board Chair Sarah Rockwell has issued a public apology after igniting controversy with a Facebook comment celebrating the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, calling it "one less MAGA in the world."

The six-time WWE Champion and Hall of Famer reportedly died at age 71 from cardiac arrest at his home in Florida. Rockwell’s remarks quickly went viral, prompting widespread criticism and leading her to delete the post and express regret for what she later described as a "cruel and flippant" comment. 

Sarah Rockwell apologizes for the 'hurt and distrust' she caused with insensitive comment on Hulk Hogan's death

Following the death of Hulk Hogan on Thursday, July 24, Sarah Rockwell commented, "Oh did Hulk die? I didn't even know. Good. One less MAGA in the world," under a Facebook post about his death. In another comment, she wrote, "He worked with the McMahons to union bust professional wrestling. he's never been a good guy. I feel absolutely nothing about his death."

In a post published Saturday, Rockwell acknowledged her remarks, stating, “A few days ago, I made a cruel and flippant comment from my personal Facebook account on a friend’s post regarding the death of Hulk Hogan.” 

She continued, “I deeply regret making that comment and have since removed it. I want to make it very clear that I never have and never will wish harm on anyone regardless of whether we share political views. While I strongly disagree with some of the comments Hulk Hogan made, that is no excuse for my comment.”

Rockwell went on to address the impact of her words, saying, “I also sincerely apologize for the way my comment has eroded confidence in my ability to represent all students, families, and staff in Alachua County. I want to assure all of you that the best interests of our children and our public schools are at the center of everything I do as a board member.”

She closed with a commitment to rebuild trust, “I hope I have shown that by my record of advocacy for children, families, and staff members throughout Alachua County. Again, I apologize for the hurt and distrust I have caused with my insensitive comment. I will continue to do the hard work of putting our children and schools first. I hope that I can earn back your trust.”

Internet says Sarah Rockwell 'needs to be removed from her position' at Florida school board

Despite Sarah Rockwell's written apology, public reaction online has been overwhelmingly negative, with many users calling for her resignation from the Alachua County School Board. Social media platforms were flooded with criticism, as many questioned her judgment and fitness for public office, especially in a role involving children and education.

One user voiced their frustration, writing, “She did not expect all the backlash against her oh well she can’t take back her insensitive comments and should not be involved with children in education.”

Another demanded immediate action, saying, “She must resign immediately. She has clearly shown the type of woefully poor decision-making that should not be allowed anywhere near decisions about educating children. If she does not resign, she must be removed from office."

Others echoed similar sentiments. “She needs to be removed from her position at the school board. She cannot be trusted to ensure fairness in decision making for ALL students," one wrote, while another added, "The second part of her 'apology' sums it up, the fear of not being reelected. Apology was not sincere, in my opinion.”

One particularly harsh critic wrote, “Apologies don’t mean anything unless she is fired." “People with such hate in their soul and such poor impulse control should not be anywhere near children, or influencing policies affecting children,” read another comment. 

Echoing the widespread sentiment, a netizen expressed, “She needs to go. Period. As a public official, she has lost all trust and faith among a large number of her constituents to do her job impartially."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online