A verdict has been reached in the ongoing sex tape trial between Hulk Hogan and Gawker Media, and it’s a massive win for The Hulkster.
The jury awarded Hogan $115 million in damages from not only Gawker Media, but founder Nick Denton and editor A.J. Daulerio personally. Hogan burst into tears at the announcement of the verdict and had to be consoled by his attorney.
Per CNN reporter Tom Kludt, that breaks down to $55 million in economic injuries — Hogan was not only fired from WWE due to fallout from the tape, but scrubbed from the company’s history and Hall of Fame — and $60 milliion for emotional distress. If the reasons for that weren’t obvious enough, the trial has included a lengthy conversation about his penis, and his ex-wife saying he singlehandedly ruined their family. Punitive damages will be added on top of all of that.
To appeal, Gawker will have to post a bond for the full amount of damages, which will be capped at $50 million per Florida state law.
Scene outside the courtroom, as media awaits a triumphant Hogan's arrival #hulkvsgawk pic.twitter.com/YUQVxvbSRC
— Tom Kludt (@TomKludt) March 18, 2016
