Before the allegation became public Johnson announced he was entering rehab.
[CW: The following story references an alleged sexual assault]
Aaron ‘Tex’ Johnson, a multi-time IBJFF medal winner and owner of the fastest submission in Bellator history, surprised the grappling community last week by announcing he was pulling out of Fight 2 Win 108 and checking himself into rehab.
In a since deleted instagram post, the 33-year-old wrote (per Grappling Insider), “I’m leaving New York for a month and will be checking into rehab in New Mexico. I will be spending time with my wife and getting my mind better for a return to competition. Thank you everyone for all the amazing support. I will miss everyone very much. I will probably shutdown my instagram during this time.”
That announcement came a day after Johnson had a huge upset victory over reigning ADCC Absolute Champion Felipe Pena, at KASAI Pro 5.
A few days later, Grappling Insider reported that Johnson was being accused of rape. That outlet published a screenshot of a facebook message containing allegations against Johnson. That message has since been deleted.
The message included on Grappling Insider stated the following:
PLEASE SHARE THIS POST. This is the man who raped me. Aaron ‘Tex’ Johnson. I believe he may have done this before. If you know anything or have any information please go to the police.
The author of the post then claimed she had filed charges against Johnson and that the case was currently being investigated by the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit. The author also included the phone number of their alleged case detective with an appeal that others with potential information contact them.
The author also included an appeal for Johnson to “confess and tell the truth”. That portion of the message alleged that the author had submitted evidence to police, including text messages.
Survivors of sexual assault can find support via the following organizations:
US – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)’s National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN also has an online chat service.
Love is Respect, 1-866-331-9474. They can also be reached via online chat or by texting LOVEIS to 22522.
End Rape on Campus (EROC), 1-424-777-EROC (3762).
Canada – Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, 1-877-232-2610.
UK – UK Says No More.
Rest of the World – International Rape Crisis Hotlines.