Arts & Entertainment
MLB won’t suspend Brewers pitcher Josh Hader for anti-gay, racist tweets
The posts were made when the athlete was 17 years old

Josh Hader addressing his offensive tweets during a post-game press conference (Photo via Twitter)
Major League Baseball won’t suspend Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader for old anti-gay, sexist and racist tweets that resurfaced during his first All-Star appearance at the 2018 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night.
The tweets, which were posted in 2011 and 2012, included use of the N-word and one tweet that stated: “I hate gay people.”
— Oracio Franquez (@oraciofranquez) July 18, 2018
Yahoo Sports reporter Jeff Passan tweeted that during the game Hader’s family took off jerseys with his name on it and wore generic jerseys.
Some members of Josh Hader’s family, wearing his All-Star replica jersey, have taken them off and been given generic jerseys without his name on the back.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 18, 2018
Hader was unaware of the Twitter firestorm until after the game when he issued an apology to reporters.
“You know, it was something that happened when I was 17 years old,” the now 24-year-old Maryland native said. “As a child, I was immature, and I obviously said some things that were inexcusable. That doesn’t reflect on who I am as a person today, and that’s just what it is.”
When asked to explain the tweets, Hader said, “I’m sure there’s some lyrics, some rap lyrics being tweeted. I really don’t know exactly what’s all out there.”
The MLB won’t suspend Hader for the tweets but will require him to attend sensitivity training.
“During last night’s game we became aware of Mr. Hader’s unacceptable social media comments in years past and have since been in communication with the Brewers regarding our shared concerns,” the MLB said in a statement. “After the game, Mr. Hader took the necessary step of expressing remorse for his highly offensive and hurtful language, which fails to represent the values of our game and our expectations for all those who are a part of it. The Office of the Commissioner will require sensitivity training for Mr. Hader and participation in MLB’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.”
Watch Hader’s apology below.
Josh Hader addresses the tweets that surfaced during the game pic.twitter.com/Zzh6uS2frH
— Ryan Fagan (@ryanfagan) July 18, 2018
Josh Hader, part 2 of his comments addressing the tweets pic.twitter.com/tWs2zBmukS
— Ryan Fagan (@ryanfagan) July 18, 2018
Sports
‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay
Games to take place next month in Italy
“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.
HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.
The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.
Bars & Parties
Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans
Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance
Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.
Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.
The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.
