UPDATE: In a HUGE victory for Hulk Hogan, Variety is reporting that the jury in the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker Media lawsuit after the website posted a nearly two minute clip of a Hogan sex tape awarded “The Hulkster” $115 million. That is even more than the $100 million he was seeking. The jury found that the website violated Hogan’s privacy by posting a clip of the sex tape online.
During the trial, Gawker argued that they were protected by the First Amendment and that Hogan’s celebrity status, including his public discussion of his sex life, made releasing the tape “newsworthy”. Gawker published a statement earlier today saying they believed that some “key evidence” was kept out of the trial. They are going to file an appeal.
ORIGINAL: Gawker and Hulk Hogan’s legal team had their closing arguments in court earlier today. Gawker then released a startement on their website noting that they believed “key evidence and testimony” was kept out of the trial and they will appeal if they lose the case.
As you know by now, Hogan sued Gawker after they released a nearly two minute clip featuring Hogan involved in sexual acts.
Gawker posted the following statement on their website today:
As the trial concludes, we’re disappointed the jury was unable to see key evidence and hear testimony from the most important witness. So, it was may be necessary for the appeals court to resolve this case. Hulk Hogan’s best friend Bubba the Love Sponge — who made the tape and offered up his wife in the first place — originally told his radio listeners that Hulk Hogan knew he was being taped. The jury was only able to hear a questionable version of events. Bubba should have required to appear in court and explain what really happened.
There is more to this story. We expect the upcoming release of improperly sealed documents, important evidence that the jury should have been able to see, will begin revealing the true facts that the jury deserved to know about during deliberations.
Hogan also tweeted the following after closing arguments were finished:
Praying HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) March 18, 2016
