Hulk Hogan has admitted that he did use racial slurs in the past and apologized for his behavior after the stunning news overnight that the WWE scrubbed him from its website.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, sent a statement to ABC News shortly after the WWE confirmed that it has terminated their contract with the legendary wrestler.
“Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation,” Hogan said, referring to the leaked sex tape he is currently suing Gawker over. "It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it."
Hogan continued, “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. It is not who I am. I continue to work every day to improve as a person, and this matter is an important learning experience for me in that regard. As a result I am resigning from my contractual relationship with the WWE.”
Overnight, wrestling blogs noticed that the WWE site was no longer selling products with Hogan and had even deleted him from their roster of Hall of Famers. WWE later announced that it cut ties with Hotan, adding, “WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.”
There was some speculation that a 2012 satellite radio interview with DJ Whoo Kid might have been the reason for the sudden decision. In that interview, Hogan used the n-word repeatedly, explaining that wrestler Booker T used the word to refer to him and that rappers would call him the n-word when he lived in Miami.
However, the National Enquirer also reported that the audio of the sex tape that Gawker leaked in 2012 features Hogan using other racial slurs. So, that also played a role in the WWE’s decision.
Meanwhile, DJ Whoo Kid tweeted that there was “nothing racist” about the interview he did with Hogan three years ago.
image courtesy of Walter McBride/INFphoto.com