Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against the website Gawker officially began on Monday. The WWE Hall of Famer is suing Gawker for $100 million for publishing a video of him having sex with Heather Clem, the wife of his then-best friend Bubba the Love Sponge.
The Associated Press highlighted the trial proceedings today with Hulk Hogan being cross-examined for around an hour. Hogan is scheduled again on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, FL. Here are highlights from Monday courtesy of the Associated Press.
* Hogan said he was “completely humilated” by the publication of the video and did not authorize the tape to be made or released by Gawker.
* He added that when he realized radio personality and then-friend Bubba the Love Sponge was involved in the release of the tape, he began shaking uncontrollably.
* Hogan revealed that the Clem’s had an open marriage and he thought it was a joke when Clem said his wife wanted to have sex with Hogan.
* He said when he did have sex with Heather, Bubba handed Hogan a condom and that is when Hogan felt something was wrong asking if they were being taped. Bubba denied it.
* A lawyer for Gawker stated on Monday that the media company had a right to address “uncomfortable subjects, reject spin by celebrities and tell the truth.”
* The same lawyer noted that Hogan had talked publicly about the tape existing on national television and radio before a copy was sent to Gawker.
* An attorney for Hogan claimed Gawker “crossed the lined” when posted a clip of the tape online and that Gawker knew it was wrong invading Hogan’s privacy for profit.