Big E took the opportunity while on Arkansas NBC affiliate KARK 4 News this morning to explain the “Black Excellence” tweet that received a lot of backlash on social media recently:

“The fact that we have talented performers of color is something that is very big for us,” Big E said. “This day means a lot to all of us, not just the in-ring performers, but all people of color who are excelling. That’s something that we all want to embrace and to celebrate.”

.@WWEBigE talks #BlackExcellence and importance of #MLKDay on @KARK4News cc: @TrueKofi @XavierWoodsPhD @dj45williams pic.twitter.com/1OgK0Bcssu

, Austin Kellerman (@AustinKellerman) January 16, 2017