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Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hulk Hogan's Major Controversies Before His Tragic Death
Hulk Hogan's Major Controversies Before His Tragic Death originally appeared on Parade. Professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan passed away at age 71 following a reported cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home on Thursday, July 24. As fans mourn the loss of the WWE Hall of Famer, many are reflecting on both his legendary career achievements and controversial personal moments. The 12-time champion dominated professional wrestling for decades, becoming a household name through his performances and success in film and reality TV. However, Hogan's career was plagued by several high-profile scandals that generated significant media attention. Hulk Hogan's 2012 Lawsuit The most publicized controversy began when Gawker Media obtained a secretly recorded intimate video featuring Hogan and a friend's wife. After the website published nine seconds of the footage in 2012, Hogan initiated a $100 million civil lawsuit against the outlet. The legal battle ended in 2016 when a Florida jury ruled that Gawker had violated his privacy rights, awarding him $140 million in damages. "I was relieved that people actually finally believe me," Hogan told People magazine following the verdict. "So many people thought I was making a sex tape to sell as entertainment." Hulk Hogan's Offensive Comments A year before his courtroom victory, Hogan faced another major scandal when leaked audio transcripts revealed him using discriminatory language about his daughter Brooke Hogan's dating life in 2015. "Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it," Hogan said to People at the time. "This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise," he added. Hulk Hogan's Reality TV Show Scandal During the peak of his mainstream popularity, Hogan starred in the reality series Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007. The show provided fans with an intimate look at his family life, but also exposed underlying tensions. Just one month after the series finale, Hogan's wife LindaHogan filed for divorce after 24 years of marriage, claiming his "infidelities" as the primary reason. The family drama resurfaced years later when Linda reportedly shared a video on Instagram Stories in March 2025, stating, "It's been 15, however long years since I left Hulk Hogan, and my family is the worst mess." Hogan and Linda's marriage lasted from 1983 until their divorce was finalized in July 2009. Following their split, Hogan married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, though this union also ended in divorce in 2021. Most recently, Hogan married his third wife, Sky Daily, in September 2023, just months before his untimely death. How Did Hulk Hogan Die? TMZ first broke the news of Hogan's passing, reporting that emergency operators described the situation as a "cardiac arrest." Hulk Hogan's Major Controversies Before His Tragic Death first appeared on Parade on Jul 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Major decision revealed in Hulk Hogan biopic helmed by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon after WWE star's shock death
The future of the controversial Hulk Hogan biopic has been revealed - days after the WWE icon's shock death. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on Thursday, July 24 at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Last August, it emerged that Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's Artists Equity were developing a movie based on Hogan's explosive 2016 legal battle with Gawker Media over his leaked sex tape. The film was based on Oscar-winning writer Charles Randolph's screenplay Killing Gawker - an adaptation of Ryan Holiday's 2018 nonfiction book Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker and the Anatomy of Intrigue. At the time, Affleck and Damon's Good Will Hunting director Gus Van Sant, was in talks to helm the project, while Affleck was rumored to be playing Hogan. However, sources told TMZ this week Artists Equity will no longer be moving forward with the project - which hasn't been in development 'for some time.' It was claimed the decision was made 'a while ago, long before Hulk's passing.' Hogan was not involved in the project. Sources claimed to TMZ that the wrestler 'would pursue legal action if they crossed a line.' Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Artists Equity for comment and has yet to hear back. In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $115 million in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media. Hogan sued after Gawker in 2012 posted a extract of a video of him having sex with Heather Clem, then the wife of his former best friend and radio shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem. Hogan was best man at the couple's 2007 wedding. The couple have since divorced, while the sex tape predates Hogan's own divorce in 2009 from his then-wife Linda. Gawker, which claims it got a copy of the sex video from an anonymous source, has long asserted that Hogan was aware that the recording was being made. Hogan contended the post violated his privacy. In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $115 million in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media - he is pictured in 2005 with ex-wife Linda who he divorced in 2009 According to Gawker, Bubba Clem can be heard at the beginning of it egging on the two, telling them to 'do (their) thing.' Hogan admitted that he had consensual sex with Heather Clem, in the couple's home, but he claimed that didn't know he was being secretly recorded by a security camera. 'Mr Hogan had a reasonable expectation of his privacy, just as all Americans have a reasonable expectation of their privacy in their bedrooms,' his attorney, Charles Harder, said at the time. In his lawsuit , Hogan claimed the video caused 'severe and irreparable injury which cannot be adequately compensated by monetary damages'. In the days of the video was published by Gawker, Bubba accused Hulk of possibly leaking the tape himself. He also made it clear that he and Hogan were no longer friends. Bubba later retracted his comments following Hogan's lawsuit. 'It is my belief that Hulk is not involved, and has not ever been involved, in trying to release the video, or exploit it, or otherwise gain from the video's release in any way,' he said in a statement. After news of Hogan's death broke, Bubba told TMZ: 'I'm heartbroken to hear of Terry's passing. As everyone knows we had our issues and those issues were mostly my fault. I loved him as a friend while he was with us, and will continue to love his memory as a friend going forward.'. Hogan's death comes just weeks after his wife Sky Daily denied rumors he was on his deathbed in a coma - and claimed his heart was 'strong' after he underwent a routine neck surgery. Hogan is survived by his third wife Daily, who he wed in 2023, children Brooke, 37, and Nick, 34, who he shared with first wife Linda Claridge, and two grandchildren. Hulk Hogan's representative, Linda Bose, confirmed his death to CBS NEWS, saying: 'Unfortunately we must confirm that Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan passed away this morning. 'We are heartbroken. He was such a great human being and friend.' The shock death comes just weeks after his wife Sky denied rumors he was on his deathbed in a coma - and claimed his heart was 'strong' after he underwent a routine neck surgery - pictured together July 2024 A statement on Hogan's official Instagram account read: 'It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. 'Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. 'At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
'Karma Will Find You': Netizens Slam Writer Celebrating Hulk Hogan's Death
Last Updated: Hulk Hogan, the iconic wrestler, died at 71. Yvette d'Entremont, a former Gawker writer, celebrated his death on X but faced backlash and deleted her post. Ace professional wrestler Hulk Hogan died at the age of 71. While fans mourn the death of headscarf-wearing icon, a woman actually celebrated his death. She posted on X expressing 'desire to dance on Hogan's grave'. However, upon receiving massive backlash, she deleted her post. The woman is Yvette d'Entremont, former writer with Gawker media. To contextualise the whole controversy, Gawker Media firm went bankrupt after Hulk Hogan sued the organisation for publishing his private sex tape. In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $115 million in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media and then added $25 million in punitive damages. Hogan sued after Gawker in 2012 posted a video of him having sex with his former best friend's wife. He contended the post violated his privacy. Yvette d'Entremont's deleted post on X reads, 'So Hulk Hogan died. As a former Gawker writer (as are all Gawker writers thanks to Hulk Hogan), I won't be the first or the last to say 'f** that guy.' Dance on any grave you want to, but this one's mine." Social Media Backlash Another post on X reads, 'She is a bad person and now everybody knows it." A third posted, 'Lol. You deleted your original post." A fourth wrote, 'Karma will find you, it won't be kind." Former WWE champion, Hulk Hogan, died on Thursday. He was the first wrestler to host 'Saturday Night Live," the only wrestler to flex his 24-inch pythons on the cover of Sports Illustrated and stood tall as the hated Thunderlips against Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa on the big screen. view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 17:33 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NBC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Hulk Hogan's death resurfaces painful contradictions for Black wrestling fans
One of Kazeem Famuyide's earliest memories is sitting on his father's lap watching Hulk Hogan wrestle in the 1988 Survivor Series. His love of Hogan in the ring became inextricable from what would become a lifelong obsession with the sport — including a yearlong role touring the country and writing scripts for WWE's top talent. "He was a superhero to a lot of people, including myself," said Famuyide, who is Black and now co-hosts the WWE-themed podcast "The Ringer Wrestling Show." He remembers Hogan telling audiences to "train, say your prayers and eat your vitamins," often in front of giant American flags. But for the 38-year-old Famuyide and other Black wrestling fans and sports commentators, Hogan's death this week at 71 has resurfaced an irreconcilable contradiction in the iconic wrestler's legacy: Hogan's undeniable role in broadening wrestling's appeal to fans of all backgrounds versus his well-documented racism. "You never really got the feeling that Hulk Hogan truly felt remorse," Famuyide said. Reactions to Hogan's death reflect American divide on race "The Right Time" podcast host Bomani Jones noted there were two sharply different reactions to Hogan's death. Remembrances have split between those who see no need to harp on past controversies and those who struggle with his behavior that got once got him banned from the WWE. "This was never going to be one where people were going to mourn quietly," Jones said. Hogan's death drew remembrances from politicians, celebrities and fans alike, celebrating his accolades. Many applauded how he was able to parlay his wrestling persona into movie appearances, brand deals, a reality television show and notable political influence. On Friday, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, whose fame arguably rivals Hogan's acclaim, paid tribute. Johnson, the son of pioneering wrestler Rocky Johnson, one of the WWE's first Black champions, said Hogan was a hero "to millions of little kids." "You may have 'passed the torch' to me," Johnson wrote under a 2002 video showing him and Hogan facing off at Wrestlemania. "But you, my 'drew the house' meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time." Other notable Black professional wrestlers, from Booker T and Mark Henry, to Jacqueline Moore and Carlene "Jazz" Moore-Begnaud, have found success and fame in the WWE. But just as many people took Hogan's death as an opportunity to regale Hogan's more controversial behavior. In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan over $115 million against Gawker Media, after Hogan sued them for posting a video of him having sex with his former best friend's wife. The litigation led to the discovery that Hogan had used racial slurs in 2007 to describe his daughter's Black ex-boyfriend. "I am a racist, to a point," Hogan said, before adding the slur against Black people, according to a transcript. Hogan apologized at the time and called the language "unacceptable." Around the same time, some outlets reported that Hogan used the same slur on a recorded phone call with his son. Hogan's enthusiastic endorsement of conservative political figures like longtime friend President Donald Trump made many people doubt the sincerity of that apology, Jones said. "It's one thing to get caught on tape saying these things in private. It's another thing for you to decide publicly to align yourself with a cause that many Black people find antagonistic toward us," Jones said. Professional wrestling has a history of reckoning on racist tropes For many Black wrestling enthusiasts, Hogan's death brings up familiar contradictions in how the sport deals with race. Lyric Swinton, 27, a freelance wrestling writer, first fell in love with the sport when she was 8. She describes wrestling as "the most nuanced and colorful" form of storytelling. Although she feels representation has improved, Swinton remembers WWE use racist tropes in Black wrestlers' plot lines. Swinton recalls Shelton Benjamin having a "mammy," played by Thea Vidale, invoking a racist caricature. Swinton considers Benjamin one of the most talented wrestlers at the time, but feels he never got the recognition that his contemporaries did, in part because he was scripted to those roles. "I kind of felt like I had to check my Blackness at the door," she said. Hogan hasn't tarnished sport for all Black fans For WWE enthusiast and sports journalist Master Tesfatsion, the mixed reactions to Hogan's death mirror fault lines that exist throughout the country, and highlight how central wrestling has become in pop culture. Growing up, Tesfatsion, who is Black, remembers watching Vince McMahon, the company's co-founder and former chairman, use a racial slur in a match with John Cena in 2005; or the storyline in 2004 when wrestler John Layfield chased Mexicans across the border. "In some strange way, the WWE always had a pulse on where America stood," Tesfatsion said. "You cannot tell the history of America without all these issues, just like you cannot tell the history of the WWE without these issues." Tesfatsion was in the audience at Hogan's last appearance at a professional match in January. He was one of the many who booed Hogan. After decades of fandom, it was his first time seeing Hogan live. "I never thought that I would see 'The Hulk' in person, and that I would resort to bullying him. But that's what his actions made me do." Still, Tesfatsion said he will never stop being a super fan.
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Hulk Hogan's death resurfaces painful contradictions for Black wrestling fans
One of Kazeem Famuyide's earliest memories is sitting on his father's lap watching Hulk Hogan wrestle in the 1988 Survivor Series. His love of Hogan in the ring became inextricable from what would become a lifelong obsession with the sport — including a yearlong role touring the country and writing scripts for WWE's top talent. 'He was a superhero to a lot of people, including myself,' said Famuyide, who is Black and now co-hosts the WWE-themed podcast 'The Ringer Wrestling Show.' He remembers Hogan telling audiences to 'train, say your prayers and eat your vitamins,' often in front of giant American flags. But for the 38-year-old Famuyide and other Black wrestling fans and sports commentators, Hogan's death this week at 71 has resurfaced an irreconcilable contradiction in the iconic wrestler's legacy: Hogan's undeniable role in broadening wrestling's appeal to fans of all backgrounds versus his well-documented racism. 'You never really got the feeling that Hulk Hogan truly felt remorse,' Famuyide said. Reactions to Hogan's death reflect American divide on race 'The Right Time' podcast host Bomani Jones noted there were two sharply different reactions to Hogan's death. Remembrances have split between those who see no need to harp on past controversies and those who struggle with his behavior that once got him banned from the WWE. 'This was never going to be one where people were going to mourn quietly,' Jones said. Hogan's death drew remembrances from politicians, celebrities and fans alike, celebrating his accolades. Many applauded how he was able to parlay his wrestling persona into movie appearances, brand deals, a reality television show and notable political influence. On Friday, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, whose fame arguably rivals Hogan's acclaim, paid tribute. Johnson, the son of pioneering wrestler Rocky Johnson, one of the WWE's first Black champions, said Hogan was a hero 'to millions of little kids.' 'You may have 'passed the torch' to me,' Johnson wrote under a 2002 video showing him and Hogan facing off at Wrestlemania. 'But you, my 'drew the house' meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time.' Other notable Black professional wrestlers, from Booker T and Mark Henry, to Jacqueline Moore and Carlene 'Jazz' Moore-Begnaud, have found success and fame in the WWE. But just as many people took Hogan's death as an opportunity to regale Hogan's more controversial behavior. In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan over $115 million against Gawker Media, after Hogan sued them for posting a video of him having sex with his former best friend's wife. The litigation led to the discovery that Hogan had used racial slurs in 2007 to describe his daughter's Black ex-boyfriend. 'I am a racist, to a point,' Hogan said, before adding the slur against Black people, according to a transcript. Hogan apologized at the time and called the language 'unacceptable.' Around the same time, some outlets reported that Hogan used the same slur on a recorded phone call with his son. Hogan's enthusiastic endorsement of conservative political figures like longtime friend President Donald Trump made many people doubt the sincerity of that apology, Jones said. 'It's one thing to get caught on tape saying these things in private. It's another thing for you to decide publicly to align yourself with a cause that many Black people find antagonistic toward us,' Jones said. Professional wrestling has a history of reckoning on racist tropes For many Black wrestling enthusiasts, Hogan's death brings up familiar contradictions in how the sport deals with race. Lyric Swinton, 27, a freelance wrestling writer, first fell in love with the sport when she was 8. She describes wrestling as 'the most nuanced and colorful' form of storytelling. Although she feels representation has improved, Swinton remembers WWE use racist tropes in Black wrestlers' plot lines. Swinton recalls Shelton Benjamin having a 'mammy,' played by Thea Vidale, invoking a racist caricature. Swinton considers Benjamin one of the most talented wrestlers at the time, but feels he never got the recognition that his contemporaries did, in part because he was scripted to those roles. 'I kind of felt like I had to check my Blackness at the door,' she said. Hogan hasn't tarnished sport for all Black fans For WWE enthusiast and sports journalist Master Tesfatsion, the mixed reactions to Hogan's death mirror fault lines that exist throughout the country, and highlight how central wrestling has become in pop culture. Growing up, Tesfatsion, who is Black, remembers watching Vince McMahon, the company's co-founder and former chairman, use a racial slur in a match with John Cena in 2005; or the storyline in 2004 when wrestler John Layfield chased Mexicans across the border. 'In some strange way, the WWE always had a pulse on where America stood,' Tesfatsion said. 'You cannot tell the history of America without all these issues, just like you cannot tell the history of the WWE without these issues.' Tesfatsion was in the audience at Hogan's last appearance at a professional match in January. He was one of the many who booed Hogan. After decades of fandom, it was his first time seeing Hogan live. 'I never thought that I would see 'The Hulk' in person, and that I would resort to bullying him. But that's what his actions made me do.' Still, Tesfatsion said he will never stop being a super fan. 'I still love America, I still love the WWE. It's an emotional contradiction that I choose to deal with because I still find value in it,' he said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
