At noon EST on Monday, July 29, Mr. Olympia posted the following statement to his Instagram account, flexatronrhoden:
“July 28, 2019
Earlier this month, I was charged with allegations of a serious crime, allegations that I vehemently deny. Like all of you, I was shocked and dumbfounded by the accusations levied against me. For those who know me, you know that it’s not in my upbringing or character to commit such atrocities.
To my family, loved ones, friends, sponsors, supporters, fellow competitors and everyone in the sport, I’m sorry that these false allegations have brought embarrassment to the sport I love, especially knowing how much you, and the sport, mean to me. For all I have given to bodybuilding, and what it has done for me, I would never do what these allegations claim and jeopardize my position as Mr. Olympia, something I have trained and sacrificed over two decades for. To have my reputation tarnished, and my opportunity to compete revoked, over such falsities is devastating, outrageous, and unjust.
I can tell you with the utmost confidence and sincerity that I am innocent of these alleged crimes.
I have fully cooperated with law enforcement since the situation first arose and I have never wavered from my position of innocence. I will continue to cooperate with the legal system to prove these allegations false, for that’s what they are.
Although this experience has shaken me and those around me, I stand firm in my position of innocence and look forward to having my opportunity to dispel these false allegations and to have my reputation, standing, and opportunity to compete on the Olympia stage, fully restored.
Sincerely,
Shawn Rhoden
Mr. Olympia
