Overview
- On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, multiple outlets reported that White told TIME he believes men should not discuss mental-health struggles publicly and should “handle it behind closed doors.”
- The comments triggered immediate online criticism with users citing a 2022 incident in which White reportedly slapped his wife and calling his stance harmful to people who need help.
- Prominent voices in combat sports, including promoter Lou DiBella, publicly condemned White’s remarks, saying the stance reinforces stigma that can stop people from seeking treatment.
- Coverage places the remarks in the wider context of White’s influence as UFC president and his shifting focus to ventures such as Power Slap and boxing, which shapes why his views draw broad attention.
- Reports say the comments came ahead of the reported Freedom 250 event on June 14, 2026, a detail described in some outlets as unconfirmed, and there has been no widely reported retraction from White.