Mario Mario the Brooklyn-born hero of the Mushroom Kingdom is facing criticism after he reportedly called Bowser a homophobic slur during one of their battles.
Sources close to the situation say that Mario blurted out some hateful slander during the heat of battle as he was spinning Bowser by the tail.
“Things have gotten pretty heated lately between them. Mario is getting really frustrated at Bowser’s constant attempts at kidnapping Princess Peach. During the battle, he just shouted this slur. I know he’s from the 80s but it was really uncalled for.” said a source who wished to remain anonymous.
Amidst reports of Mario making these remarks, residents of the Mushroom Kingdom have had mixed reactions on what should be done.
“I love Mario, we all do but he needs to be held accountable. There’s no need for that kind of behavior and he should apologize to Bowser and all the Birdos in the Mushroom Kingdom whom these comments hurt,” said a Blue Toad
“He’s an Italian from Brooklyn who grew up in the 80s, it’s just how he was raised. Let him say it, the Mushroom Kingdom has gotten too soft,” said a Red Toad.
When asked about Mario’s comments to Bowser, Princess Peach’s steward Toadsworth said that the two have a professional relationship.
“They both know the drill. Bowser tries to kidnap Peach and take over the Kingdom and Mario stops him. Mario has been clear about where he disagrees with Bowser but this is a decades-long relationship that is respectful in public and private. If Mario did say what is being reported then I’m sure it was an accidental slip-up in the heat of battle. Mario is a friend of all no matter the sexual orientation, race, species, or anything else.”
At press time, Mario was mercilessly murdering hoards of koopas to the protest of no one. He could not be reached for comment.