A Public Social Media Fallout
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has revealed the details of a strained relationship with Formula One legend Sir Lewis Hamilton, confirming that the racing icon blocked him on Instagram following a controversial hunting trip in 2021. The revelation came during a recent interview where Jones admitted that the fallout stemmed from a video he posted showing him shooting a wild pig from a helicopter.
According to Jones, the footage—which he filmed while transitioning from the light heavyweight division to heavyweight—drew an immediate and harsh rebuke from Hamilton. The seven-time world champion, known for his vocal stance on animal rights, reportedly sent Jones a lengthy direct message calling him a “coward.” Jones recounted that Hamilton criticized the method of the hunt, arguing that it gave the animal no “chance to fight back” and suggesting that a more traditional approach, such as using a spear or bow, would be the only honorable way to hunt.
The Aftermath of the Digital Confrontation
The conflict escalated quickly, as Jones noted that he was unable to respond to Hamilton’s critique because the F1 star unfollowed and blocked him immediately after sending the message. For Jones, who identifies as a fan of the British racing driver, the incident was a significant blow. “It sucked because I was his fan,” Jones stated during his appearance on the ALF Global interview circuit.
Jones defended his actions at the time by noting that the hunt was conducted alongside former army rangers and that the meat from the animal was donated to an underprivileged family in the community. However, he acknowledged that the optics of the situation failed to align with Hamilton’s values. During the interview, Jones made a direct appeal to the racing star, saying, “So Lewis, if you’re listening, I’m sorry, bro. I’m sorry. Won’t do it again.”
Stakes and Legacy
The incident highlights the intersection of modern celebrity culture, where social media activity often creates friction between high-profile athletes across different disciplines. For Jones, whose career in the UFC has been marked by both immense physical dominance—boasting a 28-1 record with 11 knockouts—and frequent controversies outside the cage, the interaction with Hamilton represents a rare instance where he has felt the need to publicly seek reconciliation with another global sports figure.
While Jones remains focused on his professional obligations within the UFC, the “coward” label from a figure as globally respected as Hamilton clearly resonated with the fighter. Whether this public apology will be sufficient for Hamilton to lift the social media restriction remains unknown, as the F1 driver has not publicly commented on the exchange.