Velveteen Dream Extends Apology to WWE, Fans, Friends, and Family

Patrick Clark, previously known as The Velveteen Dream, has acknowledged his previous wrongdoings.

In 2020, Clark faced allegations of inappropriate interactions with minors. Initially, he issued a statement about cooperating with law enforcement, which resulted in limited appearances on NXT TV. Clark's tenure in NXT was also marred by reported backstage conflicts due to his conduct, leading to his release in 2021.

Clark's legal troubles escalated with an arrest on August 20th, 2022, for misdemeanor battery and trespassing, followed by another arrest on August 26th for an out-of-county warrant linked to drug paraphernalia possession.

Additionally, Dream faced accusations of secretly recording fellow wrestlers in the bathroom, along with claims of dangerous conduct in matches, violations of wellness policies, and other issues.

In the video posted on Instagram, which can be viewed below, Dream extended an apology, reaching out to Triple H, Shawn Michaels, the fans, and the company, seeking forgiveness for his previous actions.

‘As you’ve probably seen or heard over the course of the last few years. I want to apologize for my behavior, both professionally and personally. I always preach to those closest to me about the power of accountability and responsibility, and 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 didn't matter what was said about me. It doesn't matter what's on the internet about me. I was wrong, okay? And because of that, I need to apologize to a few people.

First, I want to apologize to the WWE organization. I want to apologize to the WWE organization for any unwanted attention and negative press that I brought to your brand and your product. I want to apologize to the WWE fans and The Velveteen Dream fans because when you hear the name Velveteen Dream, it should have only been spoken about in a productive and positive light. Not the name Patrick Clark as another statistic of what happens when talent and opportunity meet immaturity. Okay, that's not what you spend your hard-earned money on. It's not what you invest your time and your money in. When you look on the TV, and you come to the shows, you should escape reality, not have to deal with mine. I want to apologize to the WWE and the fans. I want to apologize to Paul Levesque. Paul, you are such an understanding and patient man and leader and getting the opportunity to work with you and to 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 for such a long time. I want to apologize to you, Paul. I'm sorry. Also, I 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.

Dream continued, "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."

Watch his video here.