A Florida jury has awarded celebrity wrestler Hulk Hogan $115 million after finding the news website Gawker violated his privacy by publishing a sex tape. The six person jury in St. Petersburg, Florida, four women and two men, deliberated for nearly six hours. Hogan, dressed all in black including a black bandana, cried when the verdict was announced. Gawker publisher Nick Denton said the website would appeal the verdict. A Gawker attorney previously said a loss could put it out of business.
The ex-wrestler, whose real name is Terry Bollea, had sued Gawker, founder Nick Denton and former editor A.J. Daulerio for posting the nearly two-minute segment of a Hogan sex tape in 2012. Hogan's suit claimed Gawker violated his privacy and sought $100 million.
"Mr. Bollea is exceptionally happy. This is not only his victory today, but also anyone else who's been victimized by tabloid journalism," his lawyer David Houston said outside the courtroom. Hogan stood quietly behind the lawyer, his sunglasses failing to conceal dried tears on his cheeks.
But he tweeted "Thank you God for justice."
He fought hard for his human right
ReplyDeletekudos to his lawyers :)
ReplyDeletejustice indeed
ReplyDelete