Hulk Hogan wins big with $115 million over Gawker sex tape lawsuit

Retired pro wrestler Terry Bollea also known as Hulk Hogan, was granted $115m in his invasion of privacy suit against Gawker Media where discussions of newsworthiness and decency dominated.

According to The Guardian, Terry Bollea, mostly known for his on screen name Hulk Hogan, was just awarded with a massive amount of $115 million in the lawsuit he filed against Gawker media. The retired pro wrestler contested that the outlet has invaded his privacy for posting the sex video without his permission. The jury consisted of 4 women and 2 men went through six hours before deciding the verdict in the St. Peterburg, Florida court. Upon hearing the verdict, Hogan wept, his hands and shoulders shaking and was comforted by the legal team who battled for him.

Hogan's case was brought in 2012 as reported by Hollywood Reporter in which he went after the 13-year- old digital news site, Gawker. It was founded by Nick Denton. The video published was said to be secretly recorded, showing Hogan's sexual encounter with his best friend's wife, Heather Cole. The post was accompanied by an essay from then editor in chief A.J. Daulerio discussing the intimate encounter between the two. The video was said to be a decade ago and the post only amounts to $11,000 but Hogan's team said it could be hundreds.

Now, the stunning amount of money that will be given to Hogan could end things for Gawker. According to Arstechnica, Gawker Media, one of the first successful digital only news company, could face a life-threatening event where they meet their ends as $115 million is in line. The sum is even more than the original $100 million Hogan initially asked. Moreover, he sued Nick Denton and A.J. Daulerio whom the jury found personally liable as well.  

Prior to this, in 2012, Hogan sued Clem, also known as the Bubba the Love Sponge, for secretly filming him. He settled the case for $5000 and then proceeded to hit the Gawker media. Hogan's legal team hailed the outcome saying that the verdict represents a statement to the media regarding invasion of privacy disguised as journalism. 

Tags

Hulk Hogan, 115 million, Gawker Media, sex tape, Lawsuit, Terry Bollea, Bubba the Love Sponge, nick denton, invasion of privacy, journalism

© 2023 Lawyer Herald All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.