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Dwayne Johnson Offers Support to Tragedy Survivors as Public Criticism Mounts

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently visited with the survivors of the Apalachee High School mass shooting that claimed the lives of two teachers and two students. The news came after months of backlash against the WWE legend.

Johnson met with the Apalachee football team at a production soundstage in Atlanta. His presence aimed to uplift spirits and foster healing by focusing on joy and resilience. Encouraging students, he emphasized that one of the best paths to recovery involves sharing moments filled with smiles and laughter.

Dwayne Johnson The Jungle Cruise
Credit: Disney

In his own words, Johnson expressed astonishment at the students’ strong spirit amid adversity, stating, “I looked these kids in their eyes and hugged ’em – I know they’re in great pain, but man are they resilient and staying strong.”

“We needed this Rock,” the last student to hug Johnson said. The actor told the high schooler that he needed it, too.

Johnson promised to attend the Apalachee football team’s first home game on October 4, 2024. He shared the following post on X (formerly Twitter):

Apalachee High School students and staff return back to school today for the first time since enduring their heartbreaking tragedy of their school’s mass shooting.

I brought the Apalachee football team in close here to break us down…

“Apalachee Strong on three…

One, two three… APALACHEE STRONG”

As the students and staff take this next healing step and go back to school today, the one message I wanted to share with them is what I also shared with the football team/

it’s not the actual event itself that happened on September 4th that will define them for the rest of their lives – it’s how they respond to it that defines them for the rest of their lives.

Good luck and good healing, it starts today.

We are one Apalachee ✊🏾

Recent Hot Ones Controversy

Around the same time as his visit to Apalachee, Johnson faced backlash over his dietary habits. He made headlines for a peculiar menu request during discussions regarding his potential appearance on the popular YouTube show Hot Ones. Johnson suggested grilled salmon strips with hot sauce instead of the traditional spicy chicken wings that the show is known for. This proposal has triggered discussions about his lifestyle choices, particularly concerning health and fitness.

Dwayne Johnson
Credit: WWE

Fans applauded Johnson’s commitment to maintaining a healthy diet, viewing it as a testament to his dedicated fitness regimen. Critics accused him of demonstrating disordered eating behaviors, especially after he admitted to previously using steroids.

Given that Johnson often shares calorie-dense “cheat meals” on social media, some social media users expressed concern about the message Johnson was sending. Many wondered whether such a rigid approach to eating could foster unhealthy patterns.

Co-Star’s Defense Amid Criticism

maui, moana, hei-hei, and pua
Credit: Disney

Earlier this year, Dwayne Johnson faced backlash for alleged rude behavior and tardiness on the set of Red One (2024). Amid the onslaught of criticism, his Moana (2016) co-star Auli’i Cravalho took a stand to defend him. She described Johnson as a “guiding light” on set, highlighting the positive impact he has had not just on her but on many around him.

“He’s wonderful,” Cravalho said. “He is a hometown hero also, so I feel almost like he’s a big brother or an uncle to me because I’ve heard about him since my childhood, since before Moana.”

“He’s so lovely,” she concluded.

What’s your favorite celebrity feel-good story? Share it with Disney Dining in the comments. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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