On Friday, the jury in the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker trial awarded the disgraced wrestling legend $115 million in damages from Gawker Media, founder Nick Denton and editor A.J. Daulerio. It was a major win for The Hulkster in a trial in which the previous highlight had been a discussion of kayfabed penis lengths.
On Monday afternoon, after three hours of jury deliberations, punitive damages were announced. Gawker will be paying out $15 million, Denton is on the hook for $10 million, and Daulerio for $100,000. I’ll let Katie Mettler of the Tampa Bay Times explain why:
https://twitter.com/kemettler/status/712032351052816385
Gawker believes the punishment is excessive, and that additional damages are unnecessary.
Gawker attorney Mike Berry says “an additional punishment is unnecessary. $115 million is punishment enough.” #hulkvsgawk
— Tom Kludt (@TomKludt) March 21, 2016
Gawker attorney says the $115 million owed "exceeds the value of the entire company by $30 million.” #hulkvsgawk
— Tom Kludt (@TomKludt) March 21, 2016
Gawker reps have already mentioned that they’re planning to appeal, even if that’s a lengthy and expensive process. Part of their statement, from Business Insider:
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.
It’s hard to come up with a pro wrestling metaphor appropriate for the trial, but as of now, Hulk Hogan is absolutely defeating Gawker in the legal equivalent of a Yapapi Indian Strap Match.
