UFC fighter Dan Hooker has, for the first time, publicly addressed the widespread allegations that circulated online last month.
Known more for his in-octagon prowess than for controversies, Hooker has largely maintained a positive image within the MMA community. Many consider the New Zealander to be one of the sport’s genuine ‘BMFs,’ but recent claims threatened to tarnish his reputation and redefine public perception of him.
In mid-February, a video posted by an Instagram user known as @keekgrace alleged that Dan Hooker maintained an extramarital affair, financially supporting a woman’s lifestyle. The video claimed this ‘arrangement’ ended when the woman supposedly discovered intimate messages between Hooker and another man.
Nearly a month after these claims surfaced, Hooker has come forward to publicly defend his family against the disturbing accusations.
“Okay, it’s been a moment,” Hooker began his statement. “I’m back in training, but before I fully rejoin my team, I feel compelled to address a few things. This is primarily out of respect for those I care about who have been significantly affected. My wife has been my unwavering support and will always be my closest companion and the best mother to our incredible daughters. My children are my entire world. I am committed to protecting my family until my last breath… and beyond. They mean everything to me.”
Both his wife and children have unfortunately faced undue criticism and scrutiny since the alleged affairs became public. After first standing by his family, Hooker then shifted his focus to the accusations directed at himself.
With the aim of clarifying the situation and safeguarding his name and his family’s honor, the 36-year-old strongly refuted the claims made by the woman.
“I believe much of this shouldn’t concern the public,” Hooker stated. “And as the saying goes — don’t believe everything you see, and trust even less of what you hear. The online commotion truly caught me off guard. Frankly, I didn’t expect anyone to take it seriously. But since people are concerned, the truth is quite simple.”
“I terminated an agreement with an individual. Understandably, she was displeased and demanded $100,000 for a non-disclosure agreement. I declined. What followed was extreme. She was clearly upset and initiated a campaign of misinformation to try and humiliate and defame me, largely with the intention of deliberately distressing my family. I’m not attempting to make excuses for my actions; it is what it is. However, it’s painful when the innocent people who get dragged into this are the ones who did absolutely nothing wrong.”
