During a live appearance on the Johnny I Pro Show in Montreal, Bret “The Hitman” Hart revisited the controversial events of the 1997 Montreal Screwjob. While discussing the animosity that permeated the WWF locker room at the time, Hart made a startling claim regarding the relationship between Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels. Hart suggested that the bond between the two men went beyond professional preference, theorizing that they were romantically involved during the height of the “Attitude Era” genesis. Hart reflected on the moment Michaels famously “lost his smile” and forfeited the WWF Championship earlier in 1997. Hart noted that he and The Undertaker watched the segment on a monitor, skeptical of Michaels’ knee injury, especially after Michaels performed a backflip in the ring moments later. Hart recalled seeing a tear roll down McMahon’s cheek while watching Michaels speak, a reaction that fueled Hart’s suspicions about the true nature of their dynamic. “I think there’s more going on here between these two guys,” Hart said. “Honestly. I think that Shawn and Vince were sleeping with each other. I’m being dead honest. I think I’m very close to the truth here. Shawn and Vince were lovers. I got caught between two lovers, and I got shafted and screwed over, and Shawn was so envious and jealous of my position that he finally had to sleep with Vince to get it.” The “Hitman” also detailed the specific conversation that led to his refusal to drop the championship to Michaels at Survivor Series. Hart explained that while he was willing to do business professionally, a conversation with Michaels in Anaheim, California, changed his stance entirely. According to Hart, when he told Michaels he would be happy to put him over, Michaels responded by saying he would not be willing to do the same for Hart. “I went to Shawn and said, ‘Hey, I heard we’re wrestling at Survivor Series. I don’t have any problem dropping the belt to you,’” Hart recalled. “[Shawn] goes, ‘I appreciate that, but I just want you to know that I’m not willing to do the same thing for you.’ . That goes against everything in the wrestling business. I never dropped the belt to anyone that has no respect for me.” Hart concluded by recounting the physical altercation with McMahon following the Screwjob. He described finding McMahon in the locker room, leading to a confrontation where Hart struck the WWE Chairman with an uppercut, knocking him unconscious. Hart expressed pride in standing his ground, noting that he felt he maintained his integrity throughout the ordeal. The claim about Michaels and McMahon is unsubstantiated, for the record. You can watch the interview with Hart in the video below. If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit the Johnny I Pro Show with a h/t to WrestlingNews. co for the transcription.
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/bret-hart-claims-vince-mcmahon-shawn-michaels-lovers-during-1997-rivalry/
Tag Archives: unsubstantiated
Why Meta’s AI bias adviser is under fire
**Why Meta’s AI Bias Adviser Is Under Fire**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 12, 2025, 06:21 PM*
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has come under scrutiny for appointing Robby Starbuck as an AI bias adviser. The appointment, made in August as part of a lawsuit settlement, has sparked controversy due to Starbuck’s history of spreading misinformation on several sensitive topics, including US shootings, transgender issues, vaccines, and crime.
### Misinformation Spread and Unsubstantiated Claims
Since joining Meta, Starbuck has made numerous unfounded claims. He alleged that individual shooters in the US were motivated by leftist ideology, labeled faith-based protest groups as communists, and linked Democratic lawmakers to murders without evidence. His online behavior has shown no sign of moderation, raising concerns about corporate America’s perceived capitulation to the MAGA movement.
### Starbuck’s Response to Criticism
In response to the backlash, Starbuck described the criticism as an “attempted hit job” aimed at punishing Meta for collaborating with him on AI fairness. He clarified that his personal statements do not represent Meta and emphasized his role is focused on making AI fair for everyone.
Despite repeated inquiries from *The Guardian*, Meta has declined to comment on Starbuck’s role or address his controversial online rhetoric.
### Past Actions and Controversies
Prior to his role at Meta, Starbuck was known for his opposition to corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. He actively targeted companies with conservative customer bases, pressuring several major American firms to eliminate internal DEI initiatives or sever ties with pro-LGBTQ organizations.
Moreover, Starbuck has been a prominent promoter of vaccine misinformation, often amplifying claims propagated by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
### Concerns from Advocacy Groups
Starbuck has been accused of pushing an anti-LGBTQ agenda and spreading disinformation about transgender individuals. Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, expressed strong disapproval of Starbuck’s involvement with Meta. She stated, “He peddles lies and pushes extremism, and it is hard to believe any of this will help make their platforms safer or better.”
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Meta’s decision to appoint Robby Starbuck as an AI bias adviser continues to raise questions about the company’s commitment to fairness and safety on its platforms. As the controversy unfolds, the tech giant’s silence on the matter only adds to public concern.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/robby-starbuck-s-ai-bias-adviser-role-sparks-controversy-for-meta/story