Bulgarian heavyweight Kubrat Pulev says reporter Jenny Sushe joked about their situation following kiss planted on her at the end of an interview.
Despite an investigation being launched by the Vegas Sports Daily, an outlet Sushe contributes to, Pulev claims there was nothing in the smooch.
Breaking his silence on the matter, Kubrat Pulev has stated: “You may have seen a clip of me kissing a female reporter following an interview after I won my fight Saturday night.
“The reporter, Jenny, is actually a friend of mine. And after the interview, I was so elated, I gave her a kiss.
“Later that night, she joined me and my other friends at my post-fight celebration. On the video, after our kiss, we both laughed about it and thanked each other.
“There really is nothing more to this.” – Kubrat.
On the fight itself, a seventh round victory over Bogdan Dinu, Pulev added: “It’s important that the war stays in the ring because that’s what makes sports so great!”
Mike Dixon of the Vegas Sports Daily had released a statement just hours prior to Pulev’s attempt to brush off the kiss.
Dixon says an investigation has been launched into what has now been described as a ‘forceful kiss’.
On March 23, 2019 following the match between Kubrat Pulev and Bogdan Dinu, one of our contributors, Jenny Sushe was the victim of an unwanted, unexpected and unsolicited forceful kiss by Kubrat Pulev as she was attempting to conduct an interview with him following the match.
We are working around the clock with Jenny Sushe, and Pulev’s management team to further investigate the matter. To determine appropriate steps/actions following this unfortunate event.
We want to be clear that Vegas Sports Daily values the safety and well-being of our contributors above any ratings, clicks and revenue.
Also, we pride ourselves on providing journalists who share our love of sports and quality content the platform. And space to do a job they love, free of abuse or harassment.
What happened to Ms. Sushe was completely blindsiding and unwarranted and we share in her shock, hurt, embarrassment and general outrage.
Secondly, Vegas Sports Daily prides itself on being a platform that advocates for and values women. Their contribution to our publication and the sports industry itself.
We want to make it clear that women should feel safe. To feel comfortable to exercise the duties of their job, free of abuse, advances, harassment, etc in the workplace.
Ms. Sushe is a valued member of our contribution team .We do not condone the violation of the personal space of our contributors for any reason.
We stand firmly behind Ms. Sushe as we continue to resolve this matter.
We will be communicating further details as we uncover them. – Mike Dixon, Vegas Sports Daily.
INTERVIEW
Pulev had appeared on video with Sushe earlier in the week. The pair did seem to have their own playful banter.
Whether the kiss was expected or not is a separate matter entirely and something only Sushe can confirm this herself.
At present, Sushe has made no official comment on the kiss.
