Velveteen Dream’s journey in the world of professional wrestling has been a roller coaster ride, marked by both triumphs and tribulations. His stint in NXT saw him rise to prominence as one of the brand’s top stars, captivating audiences with his unique character and exceptional in-ring abilities. However, this success was overshadowed by a series of controversies, leading to the trending hashtag #FireVelveteenDream whenever he made an appearance on television. Despite the storm of allegations that ultimately led to his release from WWE in 2021, Velveteen Dream is now attempting to embark on a new chapter in his wrestling career and personal life.
In 2022, the legal clouds hanging over Velveteen Dream began to dissipate as the battery and trespassing case against him was closed. He took this opportunity to focus on a personal journey of rehabilitation, making substantial progress and dedicating himself to personal growth and improvement.
Throughout his time with WWE, Velveteen Dream faced internal challenges as well. He was quietly suspended for alleged cocaine consumption, earning him a reputation as a “public relations nightmare.” This, coupled with his eventual release, painted a negative picture of his time with the company.
In a recent heartfelt gesture, Velveteen Dream took to Instagram to issue a sincere apology for his actions and behavior over the past few years. In a video uploaded in the early morning, he expressed remorse and acknowledged his mistakes.
The apology extended to various parties, starting with WWE, as he expressed regret for bringing unwanted attention and negative press to the organization. He also apologized to the fans who had supported him, emphasizing that discussions about Velveteen Dream should have been in a positive light.
Addressing key figures in WWE, he specifically apologized to Paul Levesque (Triple H) and Shawn Michaels for any disappointment or frustration he may have caused. He recognized their understanding, patience, and mentorship, expressing gratitude for the opportunities they provided him.
The apology extended to his family, including his parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. Velveteen Dream acknowledged the challenges they faced due to media scrutiny and assured them that they shouldn’t feel the need to explain his actions. He took full responsibility for the negative energy that may have come their way because of him.
In a final plea for forgiveness, Velveteen Dream apologized to fans, friends, and anyone he may have affected with his behavior. He admitted to losing himself and expressed remorse for anyone he may have upset or offended along the way. The former WWE Superstar concluded with a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, hoping that those he lost along the way would find it in their hearts to forgive him.
”As you’ve probably seen or heard over the course of the last few years, I wanna apologize for my behavior. Both professionally and personally I always preach to those close to me about the power of accountability and responsibility, I take full accountability for my behavior over the last three years of my life. When narratives were written about me, it doesn’t matter. It didn’t matter what was written about me, it doesn’t matter what’s on the internet about me. I was wrong. Because of that, I need to apologize to a few people.“
First I wanna apologize to the WWE organization for any unwanted attention and negative press that I brought to your brand and product. I wanna apologize to the WWE fans and Velveteen Dream fans. Because when you speak about Velveteen Dream, it should have been spoken about in a productive and positive light. Not the name Patrick Clark as a statistic of what happens when talent and opportunity meet immaturity. That’s not what you invest your time and money in. When you look on the TV and come to the shows, you should escape reality, not have to deal with mine.
“I wanna apologize to Paul Levesque. Paul, you are such an understanding and patient man and leader and getting the opportunity to work with you and learn from you, I get the sense of what makes you who you are and how you’ve been able to handle the responsibility of being in the public light. I want to apologize to you, Paul, I’m sorry. Also want to say I’m sorry to Shawn Michaels. Shawn, it’s still beyond me that I’ve been having the opportunity in this lifetime to learn from you, and to have your mentorship and guidance. And I apologize if you feel like you’ve wasted your time and your energy, investing into me. You have not. I’m still a work in progress. I’m still learning. And I remember all the lessons that you’ve taught me. Shawn, I’m sorry.” He also apologized to his best friend.”
“I want to apologize to my family: my mom, my dad, my brother, my sister, my nieces and my nephews. Because you may read things, you may hear about things, you may be confronted by people who you don’t know. And you might feel the need to explain yourselves on my behalf. I just want you to know that you do not have to do that ever. No one should have to explain anything for Patrick Clark. No one should have to trend because of Patrick Clark. No one should have to ask, you know, to answer the questions. ‘Where is Patrick now? What did Patrick do? What happened with Patrick?’ That’s not your responsibility. And I don’t want you to feel burdened with that responsibility. That’s my responsibility, okay? And I apologize to you all for any energy. Negative energy that has had to come your way because of me. Okay. Again, I want to apologize to the fans and those in my professional and personal life that I’ve affected by my behavior. I’m sorry. I recognize that I was losing myself, and I apologize to anyone that I lost along the way. Anyone that I’ve upset or offended because of my behavior. Man, I’m sorry, and I hope you all forgive me. Thank you.”
