Hulk Hogan has found himself in a firestorm of controversy since audio was leaked online of a conversation in which he used racial slurs, and this week he took to social media to thank his fans and supporters as well as to share a quote that he says encompasses his feelings.

Hogan released a statement after the audio was released, saying it happened eight years ago and that he has grown as a person since then. However, he has severed his ties with the WWE–he says he resigned, while others say he was terminated–and says he has a legal team investigating the tape.

“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. 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. It is not who I am. I continue to work every day to improve as a person, and this matter is an important learning experience for me in that regard. As a result I am resigning from my contractual relationship with the WWE,” Hogan said in a statement.

This is how I feel today,with friends ,family,and the greatest fans in the world"MANIACS"that never left meOnlyLoveHH pic.twitter.com/9BpJbi5LDq

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 27, 2015

For those that left me and didn't stand by my side,u will see and I will prove,who i really am and u will also understand my love for u 0LHH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 27, 2015

Hulk Hogan is currently embattled in a lawsuit against Gawker for publishing scenes from a sex tape that was leaked online a couple of years back, and TMZ is now reporting that Hogan blames the CEO of Gawker–Nick Denton–for the leak of the audio that has offended so many. According to TMZ, Hogan thinks Gawker leaked the audio to hurt him legally; if the judge sides with Hogan in the lawsuit, Gawker could be forced to pay $100 million.