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Much of the world was shocked and outraged to learn on Thursday that Russia had initiated an all out invasion of Ukraine, an incursion that has already resulted in hundreds of casualties and destruction across the sovereign country.
According to the US, it marks the largest armed conflict on the European continent since 1939.
While many took to social media to express support for the people of Ukraine, former wrestler and current Peacemaker actor John Cena decided to do his part by...{checks notes}...promoting his new HBO Max show?
He tweeted:
If I could somehow summon the powers of a real life #Peacemaker I think this would be a great time to do so.— John Cena (@John Cena) 1645700870
Yep, you read that right.
One Twitter user summed up what should have happened with this Tweet:
This one should a stayed in the drafts big guy.https://twitter.com/johncena/status/1496804055171092485\u00a0\u2026— Wild Dog (@Wild Dog) 1645730537
While Cena likely thought he was showing support for Ukraine, fans were quick to point out how far this tweet missed the mark.
What the fuck John? You're a smart man, but what is happening in the world shouldn't be use to promote your show.\nEmpathize with the pain and terror that real and innocent people are experiencing right now.\nDisappointed.https://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/1496804055171092485\u00a0\u2026— Jo Costello (@Jo Costello) 1645711833
Great time to hashtag your show for trending purposes very insensitive don't you think?— Johnny (@Johnny) 1645701075
using the crisis to promote your show? grosshttps://twitter.com/johncena/status/1496804055171092485\u00a0\u2026— malik (@malik) 1645709270
Dawg this isn't the time to prop up yo show.pic.twitter.com/vpsznJxBAl— sike (@sike) 1645728078
Folks were extra enraged that Cena took the time to add a promoted hashtag in his tweet.
this already sucks so bad but the branded hashtag emoji really takes it to the next levelhttps://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/1496804055171092485\u00a0\u2026— \u3164 (@\u3164) 1645720088
The promoted hashtag really is the cherry on top— Ghost Pepper (@Ghost Pepper) 1645732093
One fan was quick to note that, on top of it all, maybe Peacemaker isn't quite the hero the world needs right now?
this is actually so funny like the character he plays is a parody of US foreign policy and hes saying this lmfaohttps://twitter.com/johncena/status/1496804055171092485\u00a0\u2026— audio-alina-matronic \ud83c\udff0\ud83c\udfa2\ud83c\udfa0 (@audio-alina-matronic \ud83c\udff0\ud83c\udfa2\ud83c\udfa0) 1645738459
This comes on the heels of Cena's having to apologize to China for calling Taiwan a country. Maybe just sit geopolitics out?
My man out here actively seeking ways to make apologies to whole-ass countries whenever he canhttps://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/1496804055171092485\u00a0\u2026— Jeff May (@Jeff May) 1645723841
Some fans had advice for how Cena could have better used his platform.
I hope you didn't mean to come off as disrespectful by using this to promote your show . You don't have the powers of peacemaker but you do have the power of money and status. Please donate to help Ukraine or spread the link to donate.— Natynat (@Natynat) 1645704520
But you can use your platform to spread the truth about what\u2019s happening. Especially given how Russia are trying to create confusion with false media. #StandWithUkraine— Rafi \ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddf8 (@Rafi \ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddf8) 1645700951
Here's hoping Cena uses his power and privilege to actually support the people of Ukraine.