Controversy tends to erupt right after the Mr. Olympia contest, and this year was no different. On Dec. 19, 2025, Lee Haney came to Derek Lunsford’s defense following his win at the Mr. Olympia despite backlash around the outcome.
At the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Lunsford came out the other end of a three-man war between himself, Hadi Choopan, and Chinedu Andrew Obiekea. Ultimately, Lunsford’s round muscle volume and bigger legs were the difference-makers on the scorecards.
Not everyone was thrilled with Lunsford’s latest triumph. Bodybuilding veterans Lee Priest and Shawn Ray thought Hadi Choopan could have won. Meanwhile, Lee Haney, a former eight-time Olympia winner, found the outcome downright confusing. He has requested two classes in the Men’s Open for shorter and taller competitors.
The chaos has only grown since Lunsford’s time on stage. Of late, there have been accusations that Lunsford used PMMA injections to artificially enhance his physique. With the sport hyper-analyzing Lunsford’s every move, Haney wants to set the record straight.
Lee Haney Defends Derek Lunsford Amid Physique Criticisms
In the post, Haney questioned why Lunsford should be ‘dragged through the mud’ for winning the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
“I feel it’s unfair that Derek is being crucified for winning this years Mr. Olympia. Whether we agree with his physique or not, Derek didn’t judge the show. The call was made solely by the judges. So why should he be dragged through the mud.”
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He emphasized that, despite backlash, Lunsford is a top ambassador of the sport.
“Bodybuilding is a brotherhood that should be respected amongst its peers at all cost. I for one, respect Derek as an athlete, a husband, a father, and a great role model on and off the stage. Carry on Young Lion🙏🏽❤️🫵🏽,” Lee Haney shared.
Bodybuilders took the comment section, agreeing with Haney’s perspective:
“Great post! It’s 2025 and we’re still mad at the bodybuilder for what the judges decide 🤦🏽♂️” Sergio Olvia wrote.
“yeah, I’m tired of reading all the negative shit about Derek.. They just don’t understand that Derek is really really good. He just missed his peak and that’s it. He will redeem himself and show up to ultra shredded eventually.!!” Samir Bannout shared.
@lee_haney_official I agree with you 100% I don’t think it’s fair to blame Derek for winning the title. He did not pick himself as the winner.” said Paul Dillett.
“Absolutely agree. He didn’t choose himself to be a winner. Professional, qualified, experienced judges did.
As it goes, numerous times there is a case for multiple winners and obviously fans will be divided.
Derek is making history…Only 212/Open champ, only triple crown champ…proving everyone wrong.
🙌🏻 ” Milos Sarcev explained.
Samir Bannout gave his take on the comparisons going around between Dorian Yates and Lunsford. Overall, he argued that Lunsford has a better body than Yates.
“Blah blah blah, you guys are talking about Derek that wasn’t really ready, but when he will get super shredded n hard (that should be easy) he’s definitely going to be on top again.
BTW, his body, not his condition even better than Dorian, I mean that!!” stated Samir Bannout.
Lee Priest has also tackled the PMMA injection controversy surrounding Lunsford. He was adamant that athletes should have to build their physiques through training, diet, and supplementation, not by injecting foreign substances to achieve a certain look.
Lunsford continues to face backlash following the biggest win of his career. Though Haney has his reservations about his physique, he believes fans should honor the judges’ decision.
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