Total Divas' star and wrestler Nikki Bella is singing the praises of WWE over the diversity of its stars and supporters hours after the organization terminated its contract with wrestling legend Hulk Hogan following published racist comments he made years ago.
Nikki, 31, made her comments to E! News on Friday at David Barton Gym in Los Angeles. She and twin sister Brie Bella, who form the wrestling tag team the Bella Twins, are of Mexican and Italian descent.
"We just love to celebrate individuals who come from different walks of life," Nikki said. "At WWE alone, we have such a diverse set of talent, of employees, of fans and you know, that's one of the things that makes WWE so unique and not only WWE but Total Divas."
"Look at our cast," she continued. "Our cast, very diverse and you know, everyone's from a different background, different nationality, and I think that's what makes our show so interesting...as you see all these girls from different backgrounds come together and empower women."
World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) said on Friday it has terminated its relationship with Hogan, 61, after the National Enquirer published a transcript of a recorded conversation, taped eight years ago, in which he makes racist remarks.
"WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide," the group said.
Hogan, who rose to fame in the '80s to become a 12-time world champion and an American icon, later issued an apology, saying in a statement that he had "used offensive language during a conversation" and that it was "unacceptable." In addition, his lawyer said the wrestler "decided to resign from WWE because he didn't want to put them or his family through this."
The wrestling star's 27-year-old daughter, Brook Hogan, defended him as well.
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