Hulk Hogan Apologizes for Reported Racist Comments; WWE Ends Relationship with Wrestler
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Craig Ambrosio/WWE/USA Network(NEW YORK) — Hall of Fame pro wrestler Hulk Hogan apologized Friday after a transcript from a sex video he made reportedly shows him repeatedly using the N-word while discussing his daughter, Brooke, and an African-American man she was dating.
“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 in a statement to People magazine.
The National Enquirer published a transcript they say is based on several sources who saw the video, which is the subject of a separate lawsuit involving the pro wrestler. They claim Hogan, in talking about his daughter’s music career, says a “black billionaire guy” offered to fund it.
“I don’t know if Brooke was f***ing the black guy’s son,” Hogan reportedly says. “I mean, I am racist to a point, f***ing n*****s. But then when it comes to nice people and s**t, whatever.”
Hogan, according to the sources, goes on to say he’d be okay with his daughter dating an “eight-foot-tall n***** worth a hundred million dollars! Like a basketball player!”
“This not who I am,” Hogan continued in his statement to People. “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.”
World Wrestling Entertainment cut ties with Hogan Friday before the transcript was released. In a statement to ABC Radio, the organization declared, “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.”
However, Hogan’s lawyer said his client resigned from the WWE, rather than was expelled. “He decided to resign from WWE because he didn’t want to put them or his family through this,” attorney David Houston told People.
Hogan’s name has been virtually wiped from the WWE’s website, apparently remaining only in past news stories. The organization also removed Hogan merchandise from its online store, where a search for his name does not return any hits.
Early Friday morning, just as news of the WWE’s move was surfacing, Hogan tweeted, “In the storm I release control, God and his Universe will sail me where he wants me to be, one love.”
Hogan is currently in a $100 million lawsuit against Gawker over the 2008 sex tape, which shows Hogan in bed with Heather Clem. Gawker posted the video online in 2012. The lawsuit will be brought to trial later this year. Gawker later removed the video from its website.
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