 "Sex tape, racist rant & more: The many controversies of WWE star Hulk Hogan")
Famed wrestler Hulk Hogan died at the age of 71 on Thursday morning due to a cardiac arrest.
While he was recognised as a defining figure in professional wrestling, the final years of Hogan's life were clouded by a series of controversies that affected how the public saw him.
The wrestling star, known for his handlebar moustache, bandana and bulging arms, also made headlines for events outside the ring.
Some of the most talked-about controversies included the leak of a sex tape, which led to a $100 million lawsuit against the platform that shared it, a racist outburst that resulted in his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame, and a series of personal issues after his 2009 divorce from Linda Hogan.
In this explainer, we look at some of the controversies that have marred his reputation over the years.
Let’s take a look:
2012 Sex Tape Scandal
In 2012, Hogan filed a $100 million lawsuit against Gawker Media, claiming invasion of privacy after the now-defunct Gawker blog published a sex tape.
He took legal action after Gawker obtained and posted footage of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife.
Hogan argued that the post violated his privacy.
At the trial, Hogan said he was deeply embarrassed by the release of the video. He told the court he had no idea it was being recorded.
The case eventually ended in a settlement for a smaller amount after Gawker went bankrupt. In 2016, Hogan was awarded $140 million.
The case also had other consequences. During the legal proceedings, it came to light that Hogan had used racial slurs on the tape.
2015 Racist Rant controversy
The biggest blow to Hogan’s image and career came in 2015, when a racist rant of his was leaked.
The same leaked sex tape showed Hogan making offensive remarks about his daughter possibly dating a black man.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHe repeatedly used the N-word and made racially charged comments about her dating life.
WWE ended Hogan’s contract and released a statement affirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Hogan later issued a public apology, saying his language was “unacceptable” and “not who I am.”
Notably, he was removed from the World Wrestling Entertainment’s Hall of Fame, though he was reinstated in 2018.
A messy divorce
Linda Hogan was married to Hogan for most of his wrestling career, but the relationship ended on a bitter note.
The two often clashed, each accusing the other of trying to ruin their reputation.
Linda filed for divorce after 24 years of marriage, blaming Hogan’s ‘infidelities’, including one with a close friend of their teenage daughter.
Earlier this year, the former TV personality called the retired WWE star a “sex addict” and “liar”.
Faking presidential campaign
Hulk Hogan tried to convince people he was running for President of the United States in the 2000 election.
World Championship Wrestling (WCW) promoted a major announcement from Hogan, hinting it would be life-changing, when he claimed he was launching a presidential campaign.
The whole move turned out to be a publicity stunt. Just two months later, Hogan returned to wrestling, and the tactic damaged his image.
Lawsuit against WCW
One of Hogan’s most controversial moments came when he sued WCW after a real-life dispute with head writer Vince Russo.
Hogan’s contract gave him creative control, but after Russo insulted him during a live promo, Hogan walked out.
He later sued WCW for breach of contract.
Booed at final WWE appearance
Hogan’s last WWE appearance was in January 2025, during the first broadcast of RAW on Netflix.
He was booed by fans, many of whom were still angry over past controversies, including his public support for US President Donald Trump.
Steroid usage
During the 1990s WWE steroids trial, Vince McMahon faced serious accusations over illegal drug use in professional wrestling.
Notably, McMahon, who co-founded the modern WWE with his wife Linda, was one of the major figures behind Hogan’s rise.
Hogan was a major witness in the case. After years of denying steroid use, he eventually admitted to using them to avoid a perjury charge.
Importantly, Hogan did not blame McMahon. He stated McMahon had never given him steroids or encouraged their use. Hogan’s testimony helped McMahon avoid prison.
Getting sued over son’s car accident
Hulk Hogan’s son, Nick Hogan, was involved in a severe car crash after driving recklessly. He had already received four speeding tickets in less than a year.
The crash happened in Hulk’s car and left Nick’s friend, John Graziano, with permanent injuries requiring long-term nursing care, according to The Sportster.
Phone calls from Nick in prison were leaked, revealing troubling comments from Hulk that worsened the backlash.
Graziano’s family went on to sue both Nick and Hulk after learning about the cost of care.
With inputs from agencies
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