Boxing star Ryan Garcia has found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond the ring, drawing unexpected comparisons to pop icon Britney Spears and former President Donald Trump. The 25-year-old fighter was arrested for felony vandalism after allegedly causing $15,000 worth of damage at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Beverly Hills. Following his arrest, Garcia took to social media to share his thoughts, likening his situation to the high-profile legal troubles faced by Spears and Trump.
Garcia’s arrest occurred on Saturday, June 8, 2024, when police were called to the luxury hotel. The boxer was reportedly under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time but cooperated with law enforcement. After being booked, Garcia complained of a medical issue and was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He has since been released on bail.
In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Garcia expressed his feelings about the arrest and his current struggles. “Kinda funny both Trump and I are in jail,” he wrote. “I don’t know if he is in jail but I know he got convicted. This sucks, but I love Jesus I will be okay.” In another post, he compared himself to Britney Spears, saying, “I feel like I’m Ryan Spears aka Britney Spears. This sucks. I never hurt anyone. I’ve only ever loved everyone, prayed for people, and tried to make a change in this cruel world. I love you Christ Jesus Amen.”
Garcia’s attorney, Darin T. Chavez, issued a statement highlighting the boxer’s ongoing mental health and family struggles. “This comes at an extraordinarily challenging time for Ryan, as he has been grappling with devastating news regarding his mother’s health,” Chavez said. “Ryan has been open about his struggles with mental health over the years, and at this time he is dealing with an immense emotional burden. The support and understanding from fans and the public are crucial as he navigates these personal challenges.”
Garcia’s social media activity has been erratic, with posts asking for prayers and expressing his love for Jesus. “Prayer warriors, please I need prayers. A lot of prayers. Prayers can move mountains. LORD JESUS SAVE ME,” he wrote. In another post, he mentioned being held at a “weird hospital” and expressed concern about being given medication.
The boxer, who boasts a 25-1 record, has had a tumultuous year. In April, he defeated Devin Haney in a major upset but faced controversy after testing positive for the banned substance ostarine. Garcia was also ineligible to win the WBC junior welterweight title due to being overweight. The New York Athletic Commission is currently reviewing the case, and his victory could be overturned.
Garcia’s recent behavior has raised concerns about his mental health. Earlier this year, he made disturbing claims on social media, including allegations of being raped by a family member and being tied up in the woods by “the elites.” These posts, along with his erratic conduct, have led many to question his mental stability.
In December 2023, Garcia divorced his wife, Andrea Celina, shortly after the birth of their second child. Heading into his fight with Haney, he sparked fears over his mental health with a series of bizarre online tirades. Despite these concerns, Garcia managed to secure a victory, although his positive drug test has cast a shadow over the win.
Garcia’s team insists that the positive test results are due to supplement contamination and maintain his innocence. However, the boxer continues to face scrutiny and potential suspension from the New York Athletic Commission.
As Garcia navigates these personal and professional challenges, his comparisons to Spears and Trump highlight the intense media scrutiny and public pressure he faces. Both Spears and Trump have been subjects of significant public and legal battles, with Spears enduring a highly publicized conservatorship and Trump facing multiple legal issues.
Garcia’s situation underscores the complex interplay between fame, mental health, and public perception. As he continues to seek support and navigate his personal struggles, the boxing world and his fans watch closely, hoping for a positive resolution.
In the meantime, Garcia’s social media posts serve as a window into his state of mind, revealing a young athlete grappling with immense pressure and seeking solace in his faith. Whether he can overcome these challenges and return to the ring remains to be seen, but his journey is a stark reminder of the human side of sports stardom.
