Atlanta, GA — June 3, 2025 — Superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., widely regarded as one of the most electrifying talents in Major League Baseball, is at the center of a social media firestorm after posting a message in support of Pride Month, celebrated every June in honor of the LGBTQ+ community.

The post, which featured a rainbow flag emoji, a brief message of inclusion in both Spanish and English, and a photo of Acuña wearing a rainbow-colored wristband during warmups, has gone viral — and not without controversy. While many praised Acuña for taking a stand in support of diversity, a vocal segment of Braves fans erupted in protest, with some even pledging to boycott future games.

“Respeto para todos. 🏳️‍🌈 Love is love,” Acuña posted on X (formerly Twitter), alongside the hashtag #PrideMonth and a photo of himself smiling in a Braves cap.

Cheers—and Jeers

Almost immediately, the replies and quote tweets lit up with a mixture of celebration and condemnation.

Supporters flooded the comments with messages of gratitude and solidarity.

“Thank you, Ronald. This means everything to LGBTQ+ fans like me. Baseball is for everyone,” one user wrote.

“We need more athletes like you who use their platforms for good. Much love, hermano,” added another.

However, the backlash from some Braves fans was swift and intense.

“I’ve been a Braves fan for 30 years, but this is where I draw the line,” wrote one self-identified season ticket holder. “Keep politics out of sports.”

“This woke garbage is ruining baseball,” another post read. “I won’t be back at Truist Park.”

Several posts went viral featuring fans claiming they would burn jerseys, cancel MLB.TV subscriptions, or “never attend another Braves game” because of Acuña’s show of support.

The Team Responds—Kind Of

As the situation escalated online, the Atlanta Braves organization issued a brief, non-specific statement:

“We are proud to be a team that welcomes all fans, regardless of race, gender, or orientation. We believe in respect and inclusion both on and off the field.”

The team did not directly reference Acuña’s post or the backlash, but some interpret the language as a quiet show of support for their star player.

A source within the Braves organization, speaking anonymously, said the team “stands behind Ronald” and noted that “players have the right to express their beliefs just like anyone else.”

A New Era of Athlete Activism

This is not the first time Acuña Jr. has made headlines off the field. The 27-year-old Venezuelan has long used his platform to speak on issues affecting his home country, and he’s previously supported charitable causes for youth and underserved communities in both Venezuela and Atlanta.

But this is his first public foray into LGBTQ+ support, and the reaction exposes the deep cultural divide still present in many parts of American sports fandom.

“We’re in a new era where athletes are more than just players—they’re influencers,” said Dr. Casey Monroe, a professor of sports sociology at Emory University. “For some fans, that’s empowering. For others, it’s threatening.”

“When a Latino MLB superstar endorses Pride Month, it challenges traditional expectations of masculinity and politics in baseball,” Monroe added.

—- Copyright By HungTaiXiu —-

Fan Divide

The incident has sparked an even deeper divide among Braves fans themselves.

On one side, longtime LGBTQ+ supporters and progressive fans are praising Acuña’s courage.

“As a gay Braves fan, this is the first time I’ve felt truly seen,” said Chris H., who’s attended games for over a decade. “The backlash hurts, but Ronald’s post means more.”

On the other side, some conservative fans argue that athletes should “stick to sports.”

“I don’t hate anyone, but I don’t want political statements during my baseball season,” said Larry K., a 52-year-old fan from Georgia. “I come to Truist Park to escape all that.”

The debate has spilled into Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and even local radio stations. Some predict a temporary dip in attendance; others believe the controversy will blow over in a few days.

MLB and Sponsors Watch Quietly

As of now, Major League Baseball has not commented on Acuña’s post or the controversy. The league has acknowledged Pride Month in past years, but responses have varied depending on team leadership and market demographics.

Several of Acuña’s sponsors—including Nike and Gatorade—have publicly supported LGBTQ+ causes in the past, though they have remained silent on this specific incident. Industry experts suggest brands may wait to gauge public reaction before making any moves.

What’s Next?

Acuña himself has not responded to the backlash. His original post remains live, unedited, and without additional commentary. He was seen at batting practice Wednesday smiling and joking with teammates, suggesting he is unbothered by the uproar—or simply focused on baseball.

His agent declined to comment, but those close to the star say he has no regrets.

“Ronald believes in treating everyone with respect,” said a family friend. “He’s not political. He’s human.”

Final Word

Whether seen as a brave stand or a divisive move, Ronald Acuña Jr.’s decision to publicly support Pride Month has undeniably sparked conversation. It also highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between personal expression and public reaction in the modern world of professional sports.

For some, it’s a cause for celebration. For others, a reason to walk away.

But for Acuña Jr., it may simply be a reminder that baseball, like life, is bigger than just the game.