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Hulk Hogan Awarded $115 Million in “Gawker” Sex Tape Trial

Hulk Hogan was awarded $115 million in a lawsuit trial against Gawker, for their posting of his sex tape online. “We’re exceptionally happy with the verdict. We think it represents a state...
Hulk Hogan Awarded $115 Million in “Gawker” Sex Tape Trial
Written by Kimberly Ripley
  • Hulk Hogan was awarded $115 million in a lawsuit trial against Gawker, for their posting of his sex tape online.

    “We’re exceptionally happy with the verdict. We think it represents a statement as to the public’s disgust with the invasion of privacy disguised as journalism. The verdict says no more,” Hulk Hogan’s legal team said in a statement to People magazine on Friday.

    Variety reports that the Florida jury determined Hulk Hogan–whose real name is Terry Bollea–suffered “extreme emotional distress” throughout the three years since the sex tape was posted.

    Gawker Media is already talking about filing an appeal.

    “We’re disappointed the jury was unable to see key evidence and hear testimony from the most important witness,” they said in a statement. “So it may be necessary for the appeals court to resolve this case. Hulk Hogan’s best friend Bubba the Love Sponge–who made the tape and offered up his wife in the first place–originally told his radio listeners that Hulk Hogan knew he was being taped. The jury was only able to hear a questionable version of events. Bubba should have been required to appear in court and explain what really happened.”

    “There is still more to the story,” the Gawker statement continued. “We expect the upcoming release of improperly sealed documents, important evidence that the jury should have been able to see, will begin revealing the true facts that the jury deserved to know about during deliberations.”

    David Houston, one of Hulk Hogan’s lawyers, said Bubba Clem previously testified that Hulk Hogan “had no knowledge of being filmed,” and was not involved in the sex tape’s production.

    The posting of this sex tape was at least party responsible for the end of Hulk Hogan’s 25-year marriage to wife Linda Hogan.

    Do you suppose he believes his $115 million win is worth that?

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