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Actor Dwayne Johnson Lands In Hot Water Over Instagram Post

Actor Dwayne Johnson is beloved by millions the world over. Beginning his career as a professional wrestler, he managed to move into Hollywood and become one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. He found his way into Disney fans’ hearts as the voice of Maui from Moana (2016), and he’s been called one of the most likable actors in Hollywood, but he can’t seem to stay away from controversy.

RELATED: “The Rock” Gets the Boot Again, This Time From a Disney Competitor

Dwayne Johnson Instagram post tank

Credit: Outkick

The Scorpion King star landed himself in hot water when he was named in a one-billion-dollar kidnapping lawsuit in April 2023. Like Johnny Depp, his career took a hit following the related allegations. But unlike Johnny Depp, he managed to bounce back relatively quickly. He is currently producing and starring in a live-action adaptation of Disney’s Moana.

However, the former WWE wrestler is no stranger to controversy. Before the kidnapping debacle, he found himself in another scandal that caused thousands of fans to turn their back on him. It all started when the Blackhawk Squadron 1st Armored Division named a tank after him. Johnson was flattered, so the Black Adam star took to social media to express his gratitude.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

That’s when things went screwy for Dwayne Johnson. He posted a photo of the tank bearing his name with the caption, “I’m sending a salute of respect & gratitude to the Blackhawk Squadron 🇺🇸 1st Armored Division for the honor of naming their tank (the most advanced tank in the world) Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.” It was a moment of pride for Dwayne Johnson and an opportunity to thank the troops, but sadly, his joy wouldn’t last.

This is the internet, so of course, people had something to say about it. Thousands of fans disapproved of his promotion of a “weapon of war.” Many questioned if he was really as nice and sympathetic as he seems because if he were, they said, he wouldn’t be promoting “a literal killing machine.”

Others came to his defense, saying that he didn’t deserve the backlash he was receiving. Others expressed gratitude for his support for the troops. And still, some just didn’t understand why people would be upset about the honor in the first place, saying, “It would be extremely rude not to acknowledge an honor of this magnitude.”

About Jill Bivins

Jill Bivins has been visiting Disney Parks since she was 2 years old and loves sharing her Disney adventures with the world. She likes to say Disney is in her blood and writing is in her bones — so any time she has the opportunity to combine these loves she is one happy camper! She has a deep abiding love for Epcot and as a die hard Star Wars fan has a serious love for Hollywood Studios as well. When she isn't exploring or writing about Disney Parks, Jill is homeschooling her 8 year old son, playing with her brand new baby son, or pretending to be a farmer on her family homestead (despite being unable to keep even a cactus alive). Find Jill on Instagram @minnieonmain.