NASCAR star Chase Elliott stirred controversy on Tuesday after announcing that he will not be participating in any Pride Month celebrations this June. In a social media post that quickly went viral, the 2020 Cup Series Champion declared that he believes Pride Month has “lost its original meaning” and has become “a celebration of a political movement that demands conformity under the guise of inclusivity.”
Elliott wrote, “I respect every person’s right to live how they choose, but I won’t be pressured into celebrating something I don’t believe in. This isn’t about hate—it’s about standing against a ‘WOKE’ culture that punishes people for thinking differently.”
The 28-year-old Georgia native cited a growing discomfort with what he described as the “corporatization” of Pride and the “virtue signaling” he sees across the sports world. “When it becomes more about rainbow logos and less about actual people, we’ve lost the plot,” Elliott stated.
Reactions were swift and polarized. Supporters praised him for taking a stand, calling it a bold move in an industry increasingly expected to align with progressive causes. Critics, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and fans, called his comments disappointing and accused him of dismissing the struggles and identities of millions.
NASCAR has yet to issue an official response, though the organization has publicly supported Pride initiatives in recent years.
As the month unfolds, Elliott’s decision may further ignite ongoing debates within sports about freedom of expression, inclusivity, and the intersection of personal beliefs and public platforms.
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