During a recent episode of Trensparent featuring Vigorous Steve, hosts Nyle and Steve addressed the controversy surrounding bodybuilder Martin Fitzwater, who was filmed shoving a competitor backstage, and the public response that followed.
Steve began the discussion by expressing sympathy for Fitzwater, admitting that the situation had been difficult to watch unfold. “I feel guilty about Martin losing his mind,” he said.
Nyle echoed that sentiment, making it clear they did not support the behavior but still felt compassion for the athlete behind it.
“I feel terrible about that, too. Like, we obviously don’t support how he was acting, but at the same time I’m like, man…” Nyle said.
Steve agreed, shifting the focus toward Fitzwater’s well-being rather than the incident alone. “I hope he’s okay mentally,” he said.
According to Nyle, the criticism online had not slowed down even days after the altercation. “It’s been like three days now and people are still talking s**t about him,” he said.
Steve framed the reaction as part of a pattern on social media, suggesting that public outrage often escalates quickly and lingers longer than necessary.
“It’s cancel culture, bro. Remember when I walked off the stage?” Steve said.
The conversation then went into commentary about the pressures athletes face and how online discourse can become increasingly polarized.
“We’re bodybuilders, dude. We’re here to train. We’re not here to complain about women’s rights and stuff… It just reminds me of polarizing politics,” Nyle said.
Steve agreed, pointing to what he sees as the toxic cycle of social media outrage.
“Social media is toxic, dude. It just goes on and on and on, and then something else happens and everybody forgets about it,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Steve expressed confidence that Fitzwater would eventually recover from the setback, with the right support system in place.
“He’ll be all right. I just hope his team is taking care of him. He needs a little vacation, I think,” Steve said.
The discussion then shifted to comments made by legendary bodybuilder Phil Heath, whose response on social media had resonated strongly within the community. Nyle said Heath’s message struck the right balance between accountability and compassion.
“I just really love, I don’t know if you saw Phil Heath’s stories yesterday, but that was my favorite. That perspective. That’s exactly how I feel, and I feel like that’s the most laudable thing that someone could have said,” Nyle said.
He then read Heath’s statement aloud.
“I want to be clear about something. I do not condone poor sportsmanship or disrespect in the sport. Bodybuilding is built on discipline, respect, and integrity. But I also do not support the mob mentality that tries to destroy someone’s life or career over a single moment,” Nyle read Heath’s statement.
He continued by highlighting the mental strain athletes often face behind the scenes.
“Mental health is something we still do not talk about enough in the sport. Behind the physiques, the trophies, and the stage lights are human beings dealing with pressure, expectations, and public scrutiny. As a man of faith, I believe in accountability, but I also believe in grace. Two things can be true at the same time,” he said.
Heath also urged fans to keep perspective and avoid turning controversy into spectacle.
“The behavior may not have been right, but the mob response is not either. Let us lead with respect, perspective, compassion, and grace. Turning moments like this into a viral spectacle takes the spotlight away from the athletes who earned it. First and second place deserve their moment. Let’s stop celebrating someone’s downfall and focus on the competitors who showed up and did their best,” Heath’s statement read.
He concluded with a biblical reference underscoring his message about judgment and forgiveness.
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone,” he said.
Returning to the discussion, Steve suggested that those judging the harshest may not be as flawless as they claim.
“Remember, the people who are complaining the hardest are probably the biggest sinners also. They probably got the most skeletons in their closet,” Steve said.
Both hosts ultimately agreed that the incident likely stemmed from the intense physical and emotional strain of contest preparation, combined with existing rivalries.
“Prep takes a lot out of you and sometimes it gets the best of you,” Steve said. “Doesn’t mean he doesn’t get a second chance, but he needs some soul-searching and some time off and then go talk with Nick, because that seems his worst enemy.”
Nyle added that, according to fellow bodybuilder Brett Wilkin, even rival Nick reportedly wants to see Fitzwater recover and return stronger.
Steve closed the segment on a hopeful note, predicting that time would eventually soften public reaction.
“I think in a couple of weeks we’ll all forget about it. It’s just a shame that he lost his sponsors. He’ll come back. Everybody gets a second chance,” he said.
