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Introduction: Hulk Hogan’s Rise and Fall
Hulk Hogan (real name: Terry Gene Bollea) was once the face of professional wrestling. With his signature red-and-yellow gear, booming charisma, and “Hulkamania” catchphrase, he catapulted WWE into global fame during the 1980s and 1990s.
But outside the ring, Hogan’s legacy became deeply controversial. From a shocking sex tape lawsuit and steroid admissions to a racist rant that nearly erased him from WWE history, Hogan’s reputation was repeatedly rocked by scandal.
This article explores the major controversies that defined—and damaged—Hogan’s career, with updated insights as of July 25, 2025.
The Gawker Lawsuit: Privacy vs. Press
In 2012, Gawker Media published clips of a 2006 sex tape featuring Hogan and Heather Clem, the wife of his friend, radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. The footage, recorded without Hogan’s knowledge, led to a high-profile lawsuit.
Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy, and with financial backing from billionaire Peter Thiel, won a staggering $140 million verdict in 2016 (later settled for $31 million). The case bankrupted Gawker and sparked global debate over the line between press freedom and personal rights.
Racism Scandal: The 2015 Fallout
In 2015, transcripts from the same 2007 tape revealed Hogan using racial slurs, including the N-word, while discussing his daughter Brooke’s relationships. He reportedly said:
“I am a racist, to a point, f###ng n**rs.”
The backlash was swift:
- WWE terminated his contract
- He was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame
- His likeness was scrubbed from official platforms
Though Hogan later apologized, calling the remarks “unacceptable,” public trust was shattered. He was reinstated to the Hall of Fame in 2018 after expressing remorse, but the issue resurfaced in 2025, with users on X criticizing his lack of genuine accountability.
Steroid Use & Testifying Against Vince McMahon
In the 1990s, Hogan faced questions about steroid use—initially denying it during a 1991 interview, only to later admit it in court. The damage to his wholesome image was immediate.
In 1994, Hogan testified against WWE CEO Vince McMahon in a federal steroid distribution case. Though McMahon was acquitted, Hogan’s cooperation earned him the label of “traitor” among some wrestling fans.
MAGA Support and Political Controversy
Hogan’s public support for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement further divided his fanbase. In 2024, he spoke at the Republican National Convention, calling Trump a hero after surviving an assassination attempt.
Critics saw Hogan’s speech as politically divisive, especially given his past racist remarks. Supporters praised his loyalty and patriotism. In 2025, debate raged on social media, where some lauded his wrestling legacy and others condemned his political extremism.
Other Controversies: Exaggerations, Lies & Family Turmoil
Hogan’s tendency to exaggerate also damaged his credibility. He falsely claimed:
- He was nearly the bassist for Metallica
- He was offered the original deal for the George Foreman Grill
Both stories were later debunked.
His VH1 show, Hogan Knows Best (2005–2007), was overshadowed by personal chaos:
- Divorce from wife Linda in 2009 amid cheating allegations
- Son Nick Hogan’s 2007 car crash, which left a passenger critically injured
These events added fuel to media scrutiny and diminished his wholesome public image.
Table: Major Hulk Hogan Controversies
| Year | Controversy | Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2012 | S#x Tape Lawsuit | Unauthorized footage with Heather Clem | $140M verdict (settled for $31M); Gawker closed |
| 2015 | Racist Remarks | N-word used in leaked 2007 tape | Fired from WWE; reinstated in 2018 |
| Early 1990s | Steroid Allegations | Admitted to steroid use after denying it publicly | Hurt credibility; family-friendly image tarnished |
| 1994 | McMahon Trial Testimony | Testified against Vince McMahon | Seen as betrayal by fans |
| 2024 | MAGA Speech at RNC | Backed Trump post-assassination attempt | Alienated some fans |
Hogan’s Complicated Legacy
Despite his role in revolutionizing professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan’s legacy is far from simple. His name is synonymous with wrestling’s golden age—but also with scandal, betrayal, and controversy.
With his death in 2025, fans and critics have reignited debates across social platforms like X. Some celebrate him as a wrestling icon. Others highlight his racial slurs, steroid use, and political posturing.
One thing is certain: Hulk Hogan’s legacy is as dramatic and complex as his wrestling career itself.