Danica Patrick is being called out on social media following her post criticizing NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. after Sherry Pollex, his former girlfriend, died over the weekend at the age of 44, ending a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer dating back to 2014.
Truex, who started dating Pollex in 2005 before they broke up in January, posted Sunday on Instagram about Pollex’s death and offered his thoughts and prayers to her family.
“From the very minute of her diagnosis, Sherry was determined to not only fight ovarian cancer with everything she had but also make a difference in the lives of others battling this terrible disease,” Truex wrote.
“Sherry’s passion for making a difference in the lives of others was inspiring to everyone. Through her tireless charity work for so many years, her legacy will live well beyond our lifetimes and continue to help countless families who are battling ovarian and childhood cancer.
Sherry Pollex, former girlfriend of NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr., died over the weekend at the age of 44. AP
Martin Truex Jr. and Sherry Pollex broke up in January. AP“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her entire family, who have shown incredible strength and resilience throughout her battle.”
That didn’t sit well with Patrick, who wrote her own post in rebuttal to Truex.
“I avoid negativity on social at almost all costs. Almost…” Patrick wrote.
Danica Patrick did not like what Martin Truex Jr. had to say after the death of her former girlfriend. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP“But this the most insensitive disconnected statement from a guy that I have never liked. And obviously for good reason. I don’t care what happened between them but this is as cold as it gets.
“A PR rep wrote this guaranteed. You’re free from this now sherry.”
Danica Patrick’s statement on Instagram. @danicapatrick/InstagramPatrick’s post did not sit well with many fans on social media.
“Danica Patrick’s post on her Instagram story is classless and disgusting. I’m glad she is not in NASCAR anymore and I hope she never comes back,” one X user wrote.
Martin Truex Jr. expressed his sympathies Sunday following Sherry Pollex’s death. AP
Danica Patrick made it quite clear she and Martin Truex Jr. do not get along. Jordan Strauss/Invision/APAnother person tweeted: “Danica Patrick… what the hell is this? How is she taking Sherry’s passing and making it about her personal feelings towards Martin Truex Jr.?? Talk about insensitive and and disconnected…”
And then there’s this: “Ok in case if anyone had any remaining doubts, Danica Patrick is just straight up a bad person.”
It’s not clear why Patrick “never liked” Truex.
Her NASCAR career overlapped with Truex from 2010-17.
Sherry Pollex started dating Martin Truex Jr. in 2005 and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2014. ASSOCIATED PRESSAs for Pollex, she was known in the NASCAR community for her philanthropy.
She launched the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation in 2007 and helped establish Catwalk for a Cause in 2010, a fashion gala which raises money for children’s cancer, according to her obituary on NASCAR.com.
