Shawn Rhoden has lost his right to defend his Mr. Olympia title!!

Professional bodybuilding, and also the Mr. Olympia competition, are currently experiencing the biggest scandal in their history!!

Since Thursday, the bodybuilding world has been abuzz with the news that the reigning Mr. Olympia titleholder Shawn Rhoden has been charged with two very serious crimes, first-degree rape and second-degree sexual abuse!
If convicted, he faces a minimum of five years in prison, but a life sentence is also in play!

Shawn is alleged to have committed the aforementioned crimes as early as October 12 last year, in the US state of Utah. The victim is said to be an unnamed female fitness competitor, whom Rhoden was supposed to mentor.

The woman said she went to visit Shawn in his hotel room while he was in Utah. That's where the sexual assault was alleged to have occurred.
Police have confirmed that not only were traces of Rhoden's DNA found on the alleged victim's body, but a medical examination also revealed injuries typical of rape.

The same day Rhoden was charged, a warrant was also issued for his arrest, with bail set at $750,000.

Although there is a presumption of innocence, there was a very prompt response to the incident by American Media, Inc. (AMI), which has been the wholly owned and operated organizer of the Mr. Olympia competition since 2017.
The company has revoked Shawn Rhoden's lifetime right to compete in Mr. Olympia with immediate effect! Shawn will not be defending his title this year!

AMI also announced that until the trial is over with a clear verdict, they will not give Rhoden any space in the media they own! As a result, Shawn will not appear in the pages of Muscle & Fitness magazine.

Shawn Rhoden himself has not commented on the whole incident yet. However, his friend, NPC Philippines president Oscar Gan, has come out on the situation. He said on his Instagram account:

I 100% stand behind my friend Shawn Rhoden who is currently going through a very difficult ordeal!

Shawn is not only a great friend but also a loving father who loves his daughter more than anything! Many people also don't realize that he is not married at all, and he and his girlfriend have already broken up over ten months ago!

With these words, he was responding in particular to the comments of those who argue that even if the allegations are not proven, Rhoden still cheated on his wife. He goes on to say:

Shawn is a very humble and introverted person. He doesn't get angry and has no propensity for aggression. These accusations are absolutely absurd, especially considering the fact that they come from known cheaters.

I've known Shawn for over twenty years, and the only sign of anger I've ever seen in him was a deep breath and a big sigh!
Hang in there, champ! We are fully behind you in this battle!

We'll be watching this situation closely for you!

Source:
www.evolutionofbodybuilding.net
www.americanmediainc.com
www.deseretnews.com
www.instagram.com