Hulk Hogan has apologized for racist comments that surfaced this week and got him fired from World Wrestling Entertainment.

“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 told People magazine in a statement.

“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. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.”

Although Hulk Hogan was reportedly fired from the WWE, his lawyer maintains that Hogan resigned.

“He decided to resign from WWE because he didn’t want to put them or his family through this,” David Houston said.

Hulk Hogan has been fired by the WWE http://t.co/vj98QpsTYK pic.twitter.com/xDOktlNcCU

— Variety (@Variety) July 26, 2015

According to the Los Angeles Times, Hulk Hogan will no longer wrestle for WWE after a 2012 radio interview surfaced in which the athlete uses a racially offensive language several times.

TMZ is reporting that Hogan was let go for using the N-word on his sex tape. Hogan was reportedly angry over the person his daughter was dating at the time.

After @HulkHogan’s racist rant, his daughter Brooke (@MizzHogan) has defended him with a poem http://t.co/5fjWqvNQuy pic.twitter.com/cXsHmxhkZ5

— TV Guide (@TVGuide) July 25, 2015

The WWE released a statement on Friday announcing the firing of Hogan.

“WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan). WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.”

.@HulkHogan apologizes for using n-word, says "this is not who I am," after being fired by WWE http://t.co/vj98Qpbj7c pic.twitter.com/Ru3AiOpVtd

— Variety (@Variety) July 24, 2015

Was Hulk Hogan rightfully fired from the WWE?