Nash Carter Apologises For Hitler Impersonation Photo

Zachary Wentz (FKA Nash Carter) has apologised for performing a Nazi salute while impersonating Adolf Hitler in a photograph from 2015 which led to his WWE release.

Vince McMahon's company let Carter go in April, only days after he and MSK tag team partner Wes Lee won the NXT Tag Team Championships at Stand & Deliver over WrestleMania Weekend. 

A photo of Wentz performing the Nazi salute was shared online by his wife and fellow performer Kimber Lee, who also accused the former NXT talent of domestic violence. Reports following Wentz's release noted he was let go because of the photo as opposed to the domestic violence allegations. 

Addressing the situation, Wentz issued a statement on Monday, apologising for his actions:

"No words can truly describe how ashamed and apologetic I am for my conduct in the photograph. There is no excuse for such behavior and I take full responsibility for my actions and ask for forgiveness. This picture was taken in 2015, a time where I was uneducated on the topic and therefore didn't understand the magnitude of how hurtful it was. In 2020 someone was trying to extort me by threatening to post it on social media. I sent it to my wife to discuss the situation. Apparently, she kept it and then decided in retaliation for the filing of the divorce to post it on social media. Regardless how the photograph came to light, there is still no excuse for my actions. 

"Over the past month I have taken time to reflect on my conduct to which I express my utmost remorse and regret. I have spent time off social media to refresh and re-educate myself about the horrors of the Holocaust. I truly do hope that this situation will teach and bring awareness to the horrific tragedy that took place so that something like this will never happen again. I can assure you that this is not who I am or what I represent as a human being, and I feel like it is never too late to educate and better yourself. 

"If you are ever in the Orlando/Maitland area, take some time to visit the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida where you can learn about the history and depth of what took place. It was an incredibly eye-opening, and impactful experience that teaches the importance of this history."

Since his WWE release, Wentz has returned to the independent wrestling scene.