Terry Bollea a.k.a. Hulk Hogan was granted $115 million for damages in relation to his sex tape lawsuit. Hulk Hogan managed to win the case against Gawker media website for violating his privacy.
According to Telegraph, Hulk Hogan filed a lawsuit against Gawker after the media website publicly exposed his sex tape with his best friend's wife. The whopping amount covers up for the punitive damages.
The Florida jury came up with a verdict stating that Hulk Hogan's privacy was at stake after Gawker publicly exposed his sex tape which made a huge impact on his personal life. Hulk Hogan bought the case to court and it took them 3 years to come up with the final verdict.
"It was even embarrassing as my character. Hulk Hogan was embarrassed," Terry Bollea [Hulk Hogan] said during the trial. Hulk Hogan's lawyer, Kenneth Turkel also added that his client lived a private life.
He even cited that Hulk Hogan lived a quiet life as an actor over the past 35 years. "I want you to imagine the fact that for 35 plus years he is essentially an actor, an entertainer, who has played the same role," Turkel said in a statement.
As for Gawker, the celebrity website's lawyer stated that they have the right to expose the video as it is included in the "freedom of speech." Michael Sullivan, one of Gawker's lawyer stated that it is their right to expose the sex tape as they are entitled to freely exercise their right.
"We ask you to protect something that some of you may find unpleasant, Sullivan said. "To write, to speak, to think about all topics, to hold public figures accountable. It is right in the long run for our freedoms."
Daily Mail made an additional report stating that Hulk Hogan was awarded $55 million for economic injuries and $60 million for emotional distresses. In addition to the amount that was mentioned, that Gawker would also have to pay for punitive damages. The media website was tasked to pay Hulk Hogan $50 million upfront.
