After days of contention surrounding journalistic ethics, privacy, and Hulk Hogan's penis size, the Hogan vs. Gawker case has finally reached a verdict. The Florida jury awarded Hogan $115 million. This is $15 million more than he originally sued for, and he can still receive more money for punitive damages. The decision came after two weeks of testimony.
Hogan claimed that he suffered emotional distress and had his privacy violated when Gawker posted footage from his sex tape in 2012. The video, posted with an accompanying essay by A.J. Daulerio, showed footage of Hogan having sex with the then-wife of his best friend Bubba The Love Sponge. Hogan said the publication “turned my world upside-down.”
The $115 million decision isn't necessarily final; this case will likely go to appeals court.
"Given key evidence and the most important witness were both improperly withheld from this jury, we all knew the appeals court will need to resolve the case," founder Nick Denton said in a statement. "That's why we feel very positive about the appeal that we have already begun preparing, as we expect to win this case ultimately."
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[via Variety]
