Hulk Hogan, WWE part ways over racist comments
Hulk Hogan. WWE PHOTO
Hulkamania ends for the nth time.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) terminated the contract of legend Hulk Hogan on Friday after the 61-year-old used racially insensitive language in a still unpublished video.
WWE issued a statement regarding the issue, saying, “WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan). WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.”
The company’s site, WWE.com, removed all references to Hogan, and even pulled out all of the Hall of Famer’s merchandise from its online shop.
He is also no longer listed as a judge for WWE’s reality series “Tough Enough.”
Leaks of the video showed Hogan repeatedly using the n-word, a derogatory term for African-Americans, when he talked about his daughter Brooke’s lovelife.
Hogan sent a cryptic tweet on Friday, where he said, “In the storm I release control, God and his Universe will sail me where he wants me to be, one love. HH”
He has since apologized for the incident in an interview with People Magazine.
“Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it,” he said.
Hogan continued, “This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.”
Hogan, who’s real name is Terry Bollea, returned to the company last year after seven years of absence, and even hosted “WrestleMania 30” in New Orleans last April, where he shared an iconic scene to open the festivities with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
