TikTok fitness superstar Joey Swoll is known for taking a stand against bullies in the fitness community, especially when they target vulnerable individuals.
In his latest stand against gym intimidation and negative behavior in the fitness world, the bodybuilder called out another fitness influencer for unabashedly mocking a disabled student with special needs.
The initial reel, which sparked the wildfire of online conversations, showed the fitness influencer, known as i_am_mighty_fit or mr fitness online, making fun of the way the student was lifting weights in the gym.
Joey Swoll is known for calling out online bullying and fostering a more inclusive and supportive fitness community online
Image credits: joeyswoll
i_am_mighty_fit's video captured significant attention, racking up millions of views and likes, but not without consequence. After the reel caught Joey’s attention, the bodybuilder blasted i_am_mighty_fit for being hurtful towards the youngster. He made it very clear that he was deeply disturbed by the insensitivity displayed by i_am_mighty_fit.
“2.7 million likes on a video making fun of a kid with a disability, a very painful disability, for trying to work out? And all for what? Some likes and attention on social media? Seriously?” Joey said, expressing his disbelief and disappointment.
His criticism highlighted the broader issue of online bullying and the impact it has on individuals, especially those with disabilities attempting to engage in activities like working out.
The student, later identified as Donald, was made fun of after a video captured him lifting weights in the gym
Image credits: joeyswoll
Joey said he wanted to “stand up for this kid” and chided social media users for their vitriol against him.
“Seeing this go viral was very hurtful to him,” Joey said. “They got attacked, too. I’ll probably get attacked for making this video. That’s fine. Bring it. But somebody needs to stand up for this kid. ‘i_am_mighty_fit,’ you need to do better. Mind your own business. And anyone who liked and supported this video, shame on you.”
Several people, including other fitness influencers, backed Joey and rallied behind him in their support for the young student.
i_am_mighty_fit is seen below imitating Donald's style of lifting weights
Image credits: joeyswoll
“Honestly, disability or not, this type of mockery is disgusting. This is exactly why SO many people are afraid of going to the gym. Because of judgement and ridicule, just like this. What a pitiful life you must live, if you feel the need to make fun of others, just to feel better about yourself,” Zach Coen, another fitness influencer, commented on Joey’s video.
Another influencer with thousands of followers on Instagram commented, “It’s sad that likes, comments, shares and online clout is the new currency that people will do anything for.”
i_am_mighty_fit, or mr fitness, has about 25.6K people following him on Instagram and 287K on TikTok
Image credits: Pure'Bred Gordon
Joey later posted an update and said he spoke to the student’s classmates, who revealed that the student, named Donald, was “very upset” about being the butt of the joke in i_am_mighty_fit’s video.
“UPDATE: I spoke to one of the classmates of the young man being made fun of in this video. His name is Donald and he is absolutely LOVED by everyone in his school. They have all seen the video and are VERY upset about it,” Joey wrote on social media.
The bodybuilder also revealed that he was considering doing something for the “incredible young man.”
“I have the high school and Principal’s name I will call this week to see if there is anything we can do for this incredible young man. In the meantime, his Instagram is public and his name is ‘dsenez33.’ I want everyone to go show him NOTHING but love and support from our community, please,” he added.
Joey uploaded the below video to call out i_am_mighty_fit for his insensitivity
To the dismay of those who threw their support behind the student, i_am_mighty_fit came out after Joey’s video and said his videos were getting more views after the bodybuilder’s rant.
While Joey’s stand against the mockery of the student was meant to underscore the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and respect in all spaces, i_am_mighty_fit instead thanked Joey for rewarding him with extra views.
“Every action has a reaction. Thanks to Joey and his Swoll patrols viewers are booming,” i_am_mighty_fit revealed on Instagram.
Joey revealed in an update that the student was very upset about the unnecessary hate that was sparked online by the video
Nevertheless, Joey’s scolding still served as a reminder to uplift and support rather than demean and divide. His mention of the account’s name, ‘dsenez33,’ led to several people heading over to the student’s Instagram page and showing an outpouring of love on his posts.
"Really impressed with your dedication and willingness to put in the work at the gym! I’m sure you’re an inspiration to a lot of people, carry that with pride."
“I saw your video. Please don’t let a few mean spirited, clueless people hurt you in any way!! You’re an impressive person who deserves admiration!” another said.
Pi-Sky Coffee, listed as a shopping & retail brand, said they were a big fan of the student and offered to amp up his gym workout gear.
“Hey Donald, we're a big fan of you and your work ethic! Let us know if we can send you some custom workout gear with your name on it. Have a great night Champion!” Pi-Sky Coffee said.
Netizens rallied behind Joey in supporting Donald and taking a stand against bullying within the fitness world
