Jury reaches verdict in Hulk Hogan vs Gawker trial

The Florida jury just came back with a verdict awarding Hulk Hogan $115 million in his case with Gawker Media.  The case will obviously be appealed and there is very little chance he will be getting anything close to that figure. But the verdict sends a strong message to the media regarding publishing sex tapes of people without their consent.

The jury broke down the verdict as $55 million in lost economic injuries and $60 million in emotional distress.  

Gawker would have to post $50 million to take it to the appeals court, which makes that aspect tricky as well, as the verdict could force the company into either bankruptcy or sale. There was a great deal of potential evidence Gawker was hoping to introduce that didn’t make the trial due to the rulings of judge Pamela Campbell and Gawker is going to use that in its appeal.

The following is from Gawker:  “As the trial concludes, we’re disappointed the jury was unable to see key evidence and hear testimony from the most important witness.  So, it may be necessary for the appeals court to resolve this case.  Hulk Hogan’s best friend Bubba the Love Spongewho made the tape and offered up his wife in the first place, originally told his radio listeners that Hogan knew he was being taped.  The jury was only able to hear a questionable version of events.  Bubba should have been required to appear in court and explain what really happened.  There is more to the story.  We expect the upcoming release of improperly sealed documents, important evidence that the jury should have been able to see, will begin revealing the true facts that the jury deserved to know about during deliberations.”

It’s generally believed Bubba was lying when he said Hogan knew he was being taped.  Amazing, out of all the best friends in the world this guy could have chosen, he picked Bubba and Ed Leslie.  Well, at least he’s still got Jimmy Hart.