WWE cuts ties with Hulk Hogan

Move comes after wrestler’s use of racially-charged language

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Inc said on Friday it has terminated its relationship with wrestler Hulk Hogan after a US tabloid published a transcript of a tirade in which the legendary wrestler used racially-charged language, reported Reuters.

An attorney for the wrestler, whose real name is Terry Bollea, disputed reports that Hogan had been fired and said he had resigned late on Thursday from the WWE after learning that the National Enquirer was about to publish the transcript.

All references to Hogan have been removed from the WWE website. “WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide,”said the WWE in a statement.

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The National Enquirer said the transcript was made from a sex tape, which is the subject of a 2012 lawsuit Hogan filed in Florida, seeking $100 million from the gossip website Gawker, which had posted excerpts of the tape.

Hogan used the word ‘nigger’ several times as he complained in a conversation in the transcript that his daughter was having a relationship with a ‘black’ man, according to the transcript published by the National Enquirer.

Hogan’s lawyer David Houston said on Friday someone had leaked the tape, which was sealed under court order. In announcing his departure from WWE, Hogan apologised for the language he used. “I’m disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs,” he said, reported the People magazine.

“This isn’t who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and shouldn’t be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation and religious beliefs or otherwise,” added Hogan. Houston said in a telephone interview that Hogan accepted responsibility and resigned on Thursday evening.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2015.

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