Hulk Hogan controversy has once again taken center stage in global conversation following his death on July 24, 2025, at age 71. The wrestling legend, born Terry Bollea, left behind a complex legacy that includes decades at the top of professional wrestling as well as a series of highly publicized scandals and stormy moments both in and outside the ring. Recent days have sparked renewed debate on his controversies as tributes and backlash pour in from all corners of the internet and wrestling community.
Controversies That Shaped Hogan’s Public Image
Hogan’s career began to unravel publicly in the mid-2010s when two major scandals erupted. The first shockwave came in 2015, when a leaked audio transcript revealed him using racist language during a private conversation. As the news broke, WWE terminated his contract and removed him from their Hall of Fame. Hogan issued a public apology, taking responsibility for his words: “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… I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs”.
The backlash from this episode was swift and extensive. On social media, and especially Black Twitter, reactions swung from outrage to outright celebration of his career’s apparent end. Many in the wrestling community, including Black wrestlers, openly criticized Hogan for behavior they felt reinforced decades-old industry inequalities.
In the years that followed, WWE eventually reinstated Hogan in the Hall of Fame (2018), but the scars of the scandal remained. His appearances were met with mixed reactions from fans — some cheered, some booed, and controversy continued to follow him throughout the rest of his public life.
The Gawker Lawsuit and Its Aftermath
Adding to hulk hogan controversy was the notorious legal battle with Gawker Media. In 2012, a sex tape featuring Hogan and his best friend’s wife leaked online, creating a media frenzy. Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy. Although a jury awarded him $140 million, the case was settled for $31 million and played a key role in Gawker’s eventual bankruptcy.
This legal saga not only exposed further details about Hogan’s personal life but changed the landscape of digital privacy and media accountability. It remains a touchpoint for debates about public figures’ privacy rights and the limits of press freedom.
The Final Years: Legacy, Backlash, and Tributes
While still occasional guesting in WWE, Hogan’s later years saw a deliberate pivot toward business and nostalgia rather than controversy. He promoted his Real American Beer brand vigorously on social media and maintained a loyal fanbase, frequently connecting with followers via platforms like Instagram and X. Yet, his previous controversies were never far from conversation.
On July 24, 2025, reports confirmed Hogan’s death at his Clearwater, Florida, home due to cardiac arrest. Memorials sprung up immediately, with many in the wrestling world celebrating his achievements. Vince McMahon, Ric Flair, and even President Donald Trump released glowing tributes, with Trump calling him a “great American icon” and referencing his primary support at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Even amid outpourings of grief, the shadow of scandal lingered. Commentators and online communities revisited his most infamous moments, debating what his true legacy should be. For a generation of fans, he remains an essential figure in wrestling’s rise to mainstream popularity. For others, especially those hurt by his actions or his outsized influence within the industry, his death has re-ignited tough conversations around race, power, and accountability in sports.
The Complicated Picture: Hogan’s Impact Measured
- Racism Scandal Impact: Immediate severing of ties with WWE, damaged reputation, and ongoing debates about redemption.
- Gawker Lawsuit Effect: Major privacy-based victory, Gawker Media bankruptcy, and a precedent-setting legal case for media conduct.
- WWE Legacy: Helped globalize wrestling, but criticism for maintaining status and limiting diversity during his era.
- Social Media Presence: Maintained active engagement with fans, especially toward the end of his life, showing a different side to his persona.
| Year | Key Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Racism Scandal | WWE terminated his contract, national discussion on race in wrestling |
| 2012-2016 | Gawker Sex Tape Lawsuit | Won $31M settlement, Gawker bankruptcy, digital privacy debates |
| 2018 | WWE Hall of Fame Reinstatement | Mixed fan response, limited return to WWE TV |
| 2024 | Public Support for Trump | Reignited controversy, polarized public and wrestling community |
| 2025 | Death and Tributes | Renewed legacy debates, acknowledgment of controversies |
Moving Forward: Reflecting on a Divisive Icon
As the world processes the news of Hogan’s passing, the shadow of the hulk hogan controversy ensures his legacy will never be one-dimensional. Fans and critics alike are actively shaping the final chapter of his story in real time. From social media debates to official tributes, the conversation around his complicated life remains as compelling as ever.
How do you see Hulk Hogan’s legacy in the world of wrestling and beyond? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation as we reflect on an era-defining icon.