WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71 following a suspected cardiac arrest at his Florida residence on July 24, TMZ Sports reported. Emergency responders were dispatched after a 911 call alerted authorities to his medical emergency. As fans around the world mourn the loss of a wrestling icon, many are also revisiting one of the most controversial moments of his career—his 2015 racism scandal that resulted in his temporary suspension from WWE.
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Who Was Hulk Hogan?
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling. He was credited with popularizing WWE (then WWF) in the 1980s and early 1990s, becoming a pop culture phenomenon through his charisma, unmatched persona, and unforgettable matches.
However, outside the ring, Hogan’s personal life was marred by legal battles, scandals, and public controversies—most notably the 2015 incident involving racist comments.
The 2015 Racism Controversy: What Happened?
In July 2015, Hulk Hogan came under fire after a leaked transcript revealed that he used racist language in a private conversation. The audio was part of a sex tape made public during his legal battle with Gawker Media.
In the recording, Hogan was heard using the N-word multiple times while discussing his daughter Brooke’s dating life. He expressed discomfort and frustration over her reportedly dating a Black man.
WWE’s Immediate Response to the Scandal
The backlash was swift and severe. On July 24, 2015, WWE terminated Hogan’s contract and removed almost all references to him from their website, including his Hall of Fame profile—though he was not officially removed from the Hall of Fame.
At the time, WWE issued a statement emphasizing its values:
“WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds.”
Hulk Hogan’s Public Apology
In response to the controversy, Hogan issued a public apology:
“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 continued, saying:
“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.”
Hogan’s Reinstatement into WWE Hall of Fame
Despite the serious nature of the scandal, Hulk Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. According to Variety, WWE stated that Hogan had apologized and had met with several WWE talents to personally address the matter.
While WWE welcomed him back, the incident continued to cast a shadow over his legacy. Many fans and fellow wrestlers expressed discomfort and believed the apology wasn’t enough to undo the damage caused.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy Remembered
Hulk Hogan’s death marks the end of a chapter in professional wrestling history. While he will always be remembered as a pioneer and one of the greatest showmen in sports entertainment, the racism scandal of 2015 remains a blemish on his public image. As tributes pour in, Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy—celebrated by many, but also scrutinized for past actions.
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