American boxer Ryan Garcia, once a vocal supporter of US President
Donald Trump, has publicly withdrawn his endorsement, citing moral concerns linked to convicted sex offender
Jeffrey Epstein.
Garcia, who had earlier praised Trump and aligned himself with the MAGA movement, said he could no longer support anyone connected, directly or indirectly, to alleged abuse involving children.
In a series of posts on X, Garcia announced what he called a “public declaration” of withdrawing his past support for Trump. “Anyone that was involved in anything to do with that island and what they were doing, I just can’t support in any way,” he wrote, adding, “Children need to be protected… Justice for all.”
The boxer also criticised celebrities and public figures who, in his view, have remained silent. “Now that you see it’s real and happening, I would like to see other celebrities speak up… Speak up cowards,” Garcia posted, positioning himself as a vocal critic of powerful elites.
Garcia’s announcement comes after Epstein files drop
Garcia’s shift follows the release of nearly three million documents linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein by the US Department of Justice on Friday. The files reportedly mention President Donald Trump more than 1,000 times.
While many of these references are said to be routine or benign, others include newly disclosed, unverified sexual assault allegations and fresh details from Epstein’s victims describing encounters involving the future president.
Among the documents is a list of unverified assault allegations against Trump compiled by FBI officials last year. The files also include FBI notes referencing a woman who had accused Trump in a lawsuit of raping her when she was 13, as well as an FBI interview with one of Epstein’s victims who claimed that Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell once “presented her” to Trump at a party.
There is no public evidence that any of the allegations contained in the documents were deemed credible by the FBI.
The Justice Department stated on Friday that the allegations against Trump mentioned in the files are false. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein or any allegations of sexual misconduct.
Reacting to the release, Trump said on Saturday, “I didn’t see it myself, but I was told by some very important people that not only does it absolve me, it’s the opposite of what people were hoping.”
Despite these denials, Garcia said the sheer scale and nature of the revelations were enough for him to step away. “I’m not taking chances,” he wrote in a follow-up post, adding that he now stands only with his faith and not with political figures or parties.
Who is Ryan Garcia
Ryan Garcia, popularly known as “King Ryan,” is one of the most recognisable young faces in American boxing. Known for his explosive hand speed and knockout power, Garcia won the WBC interim lightweight title in 2021 and has competed across lightweight and welterweight divisions. He also commands a massive social media following, with over 12 million followers on Instagram.
Beyond the ring, Garcia has frequently made headlines for his outspoken views and controversial statements. He was previously expelled by the World Boxing Council following offensive remarks, and his 2024 victory over Devin Haney was later ruled a no contest after Garcia failed a drug test.
Garcia has also been open about his struggles with mental health and the pressures of fame. Politically, he had positioned himself as a Trump ally, at times calling Trump “cool” and expressing admiration for his leadership. His latest statements, however, mark a sharp break from that stance.
Garcia has warned that the Epstein revelations may be “ugly and deep,” and suggested he believes further disclosures could emerge. Garcia’s message is unequivocal: his support ends where allegations of harm to children begin.
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