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Employees of TKO Group Holdings are speaking out about the company’s decision to keep running events in Saudi Arabia, even with missile and drone attacks happening in the country.
Ben Fowlkes of Uncrowned spoke with current and former TKO employees on the condition of anonymity. They said they are frustrated and worried about their safety, and they accused company leaders of putting money ahead of the people who travel to the region.
The concerns grew after WWE Crown Jewel on November 7 in Riyadh. An attack hit the financial district hours after the show ended. WWE talent had already left the country by then, but some production staff were still there breaking down the set.
One employee did not hold back when talking to Fowlkes.
“Why are you still even having these shows at this point? I think the answer is, if they chose not to do the show, they would lose out on millions and millions of dollars,” the employee said. “If we don’t do the shows in Saudi Arabia or [United Arab Emirates] or Doha or wherever we are going, then our fourth-quarter earnings will be off and our shareholders aren’t going to get their money. So it’s all about greed. They don’t care about anybody’s well-being.”
TKO President Mark Shapiro addressed the situation on October 28, saying the risk was extremely minimal and that events in the Middle East would continue as planned. At a company town hall, Shapiro said employee safety mattered more than profits, but admitted cancelling events would cost the company money.
TKO still has a Zuffa Boxing show on November 14 and a UFC Fight Night on December 5 planned in Riyadh. Other events in Saudi Arabia have been called off, including the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament and the PIF Saudi International golf tournament.
What is confirmed is the frustration from TKO employees and the two upcoming events still on the schedule. What is not confirmed is whether TKO will change its plans, or how the company will answer the safety concerns.
