Hulk Hogan Sues Gawker Again
Having just won $140 million settlement from the pop culture gossip website Gawker, retired professional wrestler Hulk Hogan is again suing the website. The first lawsuit involved a tape of Hogan having sex with his best friend’s wife; the new suit involves the release of a transcript of a secretly recorded racist rant about his daughter’s African American boyfriend. What seems to be in contention in this second case is that the transcript of Hogan’;s rant was a court sealed document. Gawker has denied that it leaked the transcript.
Overall, the Hogan vs. Gawker squabble is really about First Amendment rights and the privacy rights. The publishing of the rant in the tabloid National Enquirer lead to Hogan’s dismissal from the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), including Hogan being removed from the WWE Hall of Fame. In a world where surveillance cameras are everywhere and smart phones can vividly record any event, a person’s privacy is more vulnerable than ever before. But when private conversations are exposed, and that exposure leads to a loss of income or occupation, the line between freedom of expression and yelling “Fire!” in a crowded theater becomes very blurry. While the journalistic integrity of Gawker can certainly be questioned, the implications of these lawsuits may have a profound impact on journalism in the future.
Contact Farah & Farah Today
If you feel your privacy has been violated and that violation has damaged your reputation or your ability to earn an income, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit. To find out more about your legal rights and options, you’ll need to speak to a qualified attorney. The legal team at the offices of Farah & Farah has been fighting for the rights of Florida residents for over 35 years. To get the settlement you deserve, call (800) 533-3555 today for a free consultation.
