How Hulk Hogan's sex tape led to drug-friendly Games
What does Hulk Hogan's home-made porno - with his mate Bubba the Love Sponge's wife - have to do with it?
For Australian entrepreneur Aron D'Souza, a fair bit.
Hogan's romp is a link in the chain leading D'Souza to Las Vegas' sunset strip for this week's launch of Enhanced Games, a multi-sports event with no drug testing.
D'Souza, a 40-year-old Melbourne-born businessman, has the backing of multi-billionaires, and a family company of US President Donald Trump.
And he's pinching himself that a concept first planted in his mind 15 years ago when he read a bioethicist's paper is now in fruition.
"I think about my life and it's like truth is stranger than fiction," D'Souza told AAP in an interview in Las Vegas.
"If someone wrote the story of my life, you just couldn't believe it.
"The Peter Thiel/Gawker case, that's a book and a movie in itself."
The Gawker case involves Hulk Hogan and a home-made pornographic film.
In 2006, the world famous wrestler was down in the dumps.
A mate, a shock-jock known as Bubba the Love Sponge, offered his wife to Hogan. The wrestler agreed, on condition it wasn't recorded.
Bubba lied, filmed the frolic and, six years later, it was leaked to a brash New York publisher known for flaunting rules, Gawker.
In 2007, Gawker outed Thiel as gay. That article, while legal, enraged the German-born multi-billionaire who is now among financiers of D'Souza's Enhanced Games.
The Australian met the German around 2010 when D'Souza, then 24, was completing a law degree at England's Oxford University.
They got talking. Thiel told of his Gawker gripe. D'Souza got thinking.
Why doesn't Thiel fund lawyers to find cases against Gawker, then sue them into extinction? Thiel agreed.
When Gawker publishes Hulk Hogan's sex tape in 2012, D'Souza's plan swings into action.
"This is when two of the largest industries in the world merge - care, and sports and entertainment," D'Souza said.
"There's so many more partnerships to be done, so many more levers in public policy to push, so many avenues of science to advance.
"I do view this as still as a human rights struggle because, fundamentally, the principle human right is to be able to do with own body what we wish.
"And that might mean taking synthetic testosterone. It may mean prosthesis. It may mean brain computer interfaces.
"If you read the scientific literature, there is a pipeline of all this technology being developed right now."
D'Souza said Enhanced Games' mission was "bringing super humanity - making the first super human".
"Probably today, only one-tenth of a per cent of Americans would view themselves as enhanced," he said.
"But in a few years, that will be five per cent, 10 per cent.
"And that's how we're going to measure this.
"I could get hit by a bus today and this event, this movement, will continue to succeed and grow because it's not about me, it's not about even the company that we have built.
"It's about cultural zeitgeist that is happening in the world.
"We timed it right but I am certain that within 20 years' time, all sport will be enhanced."
The event has been decried by sports administrators worldwide, most notably the Olympic movement.
But D'Souza said Olympic criticism had quietened since 1789 Capital, a company of Donald Trump Jnr, recently jumped aboard as a partner of the fledgling games.
"I think there's been an order from the very top, and I mean from (soon-to-be retired IOC president Thomas) Bach himself," D'Souza said.
"Because of the support we have from the Trump administration, and that the LA28 Olympics are coming around, they don't want to be seen as opposing us.
"Because if they do, that risks the political support for LA28 and LA28 needs billions of dollars of taxpayer money to succeed."
This AAP article was made possible by support from the Enhanced Games.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
Aussie star set to split from billionaire UK husband
Former singer and Neighbours actress Holly Valance and Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy have reportedly split and are heading for divorce after 13 years of marriage. Australian-born Valance, 42, and billionaire property developer Candy, 52, are said to have broken up in recent weeks, according to The Sun. The couple, who have two daughters, met in 2009 and became engaged two years later before marrying in California in 2012 at a ceremony attended by 300 guests. "This has been a very difficult period for both Nick and Holly, and they are keeping things private out of respect for their family," a family friend told the newspaper. "The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority. "They've had to juggle a demanding lifestyle. Between family, public life, and Nick's intense work commitments, it's been a tough balance. "This is a family matter and they're doing their best to handle things thoughtfully. "Privacy is obviously very important to them both, so they can focus on what's best for the family." A spokesman for Valance said there would be no comment at the matter. "The privacy of all parties involved is respectfully requested." The couple are high-profile figures within Reform UK, and met Donald Trump with party leader Nigel Farage at the US president's Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022. After her stint in the Australian soap Neighbours where she played Felicity 'Flick' Scully from 1999, Valance had a music career, including the UK number one hit single Kiss Kiss released in 2002. She also reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011.
7NEWS
4 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Hidden meth lab uncovered and dismantled in Sydney's west with over 100kg of meth-related products seized
A hidden meth lab has been uncovered and dismantled after Australian Federal Police (AFP) seized more than 100kg of meth-related products. The clandestine lab was discovered during a search of a Fairfield East home in Sydney's west on June 19. Inside, officers found 77kg of drug-impregnated materials, 39kg of pre-manufactured methamphetamine, 35kg of liquid allegedly containing meth, and more than 600 litres of waste material. Electronic devices were also seized and will undergo forensic examination. This is part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal syndicate that began in October 2023, when 27kg of meth concealed in blankets bound for Australia was found in the US. The shipment, which originated in South America and had an estimated street value of $25 million, was seized by US Customs and Border Protection, who then alerted the AFP. The AFP traced the consignment to a phone number allegedly linked to previous failed import attempts. In April last year, officers executed a search warrant at a Cabramatta property, seizing two devices linked to the attempted import. Meanwhile, another search was carried out at a Canley Vale home, where police seized an encrypted communication device. Further inquiries led investigators to the Fairfield East address, allegedly used by the syndicate, where the meth lab was uncovered. AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said those behind the operation showed no concern for the harm caused by illicit drugs and were only motivated by greed and profit. 'The people behind importations like this have no regard for the harm and damage that illicit drugs wreak on the Australian community every minute of every day,' Blunden said. 'I want to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all the AFP members involved in these investigations, from investigators and intelligence members to all of our other support capabilities. 'I also wish to thank our counterparts at NSW Police, in particular the Drug & Firearms Squad Chemical Operations team for their specialist and expert assistance in this matter.'
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
New information in Brisbane alleged house party CEO murder
New details have emerged about the tragic death of prominent retail entrepreneur Greg Josephson, 58, who was allegedly stabbed by a 15-year-old during a party at his upscale Clayfield home in Brisbane's north. Police were called to the house shortly after 8pm on Thursday night, where they found Mr Josephson dead on the top floor. The 15-year-old suspect, who was known to Mr Josephson, called triple-0 himself and was later arrested nearby, suffering a minor injury. He has since been charged with one count of murder. Police confirmed that none of the other approximately 30 teenagers at the party were involved, though some are assisting with the investigation. The scene was described as 'chaotic' and 'confusing' when officers arrived, with many young guests unaware of what had occurred. The millionaire co-founder of the Universal Store clothing chain has died after allegedly being stabbed by a teenage boy in Brisbane during a house party. Greg Josephson, 58, who co-founded the business with his brother Michael in 1999, was found dead at his Clayfield mansion in the city's inner-north, shortly after 8pm on Thursday night Credit: 7NEWS / supplied The millionaire co-founder of the Universal Store clothing chain has died after allegedly being stabbed by a teenage boy in Brisbane during a house party. Greg Josephson, 58, who co-founded the business with his brother Michael in 1999, was found dead at his Clayfield mansion in the city's inner-north, shortly after 8pm on Thursday night Credit: 7NEWS / supplied Greg Josephson, who co-founded the youth fashion chain Universal Store with his brother Michael in 1999, was a well-known figure in the Australian retail industry. The business began in the Brisbane suburb of Carindale and, under the brothers' leadership, expanded to 53 stores across six states with an annual turnover of $100 million before being sold to a consortium of private equity investors in 2018 for $100 million. Universal Store later floated on the ASX and today boasts a market cap of around $570 million, with 80 stores nationwide and more than $244 million in annual revenue as of June 2024. The millionaire co-founder of the Universal Store clothing chain has died after allegedly being stabbed by a teenage boy in Brisbane during a house party. Greg Josephson, 58, who co-founded the business with his brother Michael in 1999, was found dead at his Clayfield mansion in the city's inner-north, shortly after 8pm on Thursday night. Unknown Credit: Unknown / Instagram Mr Josephson hailed from a family with a rich history in Brisbane's fashion scene, stretching back more than a century. His great-grandfather established Josephson's Clothing Factory in 1910, while his grandfather founded Josephson & Sons in 1939, creators of the iconic Can't Tear 'Em workwear brand. The family's retail legacy continued with his uncle, who had ties to the denim brand Lee Cooper. A Griffith University commerce graduate, Greg Josephson worked in Sydney for major property firms including Lend Lease, Jones Lang LaSalle, and Westfield before returning to Brisbane to launch Universal Store with his brother, a former lawyer. He was described as softly spoken and unassuming, with a keen eye for product selection and a strong commitment to staff, which he credited as key to the company's success. After the sale of Universal Store, Mr Josephson became CEO of Josephson Holdings Pty Ltd and remained active in business, including as owner of the Noosa Reef Hotel, purchased in 2021 for $13.9 million. He and his wife Tamra had recently listed their renovated six-bedroom, six-bathroom home for sale, planning to relocate to Noosa for family and business reasons. The property, which they purchased in 2017 and renovated to evoke a 'five-star hotel,' features alfresco terraces, a pavilion, and a pool. The couple also own the adjoining lot, which is approved for development into a tennis court or guest cottage. 'We're sad to sell, but we're relocating to Noosa where we have a house and business interests,' Mr Josephson told News Corp earlier. 'But we're proud that we went all out to create a once-in-a-lifetime forever home, and that's what's on offer for someone now.' Neighbours described the party as so quiet they didn't realise it was happening until guests began frantically trying to leave after the incident. 'They were just like 'we want to go home, and we're not allowed to leave'. They were devastated,' one neighbour told media. Police said about 30 teenagers were present, and the scene was chaotic and confronting when they arrived. Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said police allege a household item was used in the fatal altercation between Mr Josephson and the teen. 'There was some sort of altercation that's resulted in this 58-year-old male tragically losing his life,' he said. 'It's not a case of carrying knives, it's unfortunately allotted in a home.' Police confirmed the party was a planned event and that none of the other attendees were involved in the incident. The rest of the teenagers were taken to Boondall Police Station before being collected by their families. Authorities said the welfare of the young partygoers is a priority as the investigation continues. Inspector Jane Healy said the 15-year-old was the only person aware of what happened and that he and the other teenagers are assisting police. 'It's still extremely early and the situation was quite chaotic, confusing and confronting when police arrived,' she said. 'There's quite a few young people that need to be interviewed, so until we get that done we won't be able to get a real idea of what has happened here.' The Child Protection Investigation Unit is involved, and police are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage from the area to come forward. Universal Store released a statement after the tragedy: 'We wanted to share the sad news that Greg Josephson, who founded our company and played a significant role until 2018, has recently passed away. Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with his family at this very sad time.'
