FX.co ★ Invasion of privacy can lead abuser to bankruptcy

Gene Bollea, a legendary wrestler known professionally as Hulk Hogan, confirmed that he can secure spectacular victories both at the ring and in a courtroom. Hulk Hogan delivered a financial knockout to Gawker Media, the company running the notorious Internet portal. The scandal dates back to 2012. The ex-wrestler filed a lawsuit after Gawker Media posted a sex video involving Hogan on its website. The legal claims included invasion of privacy, a breach of personality rights, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Besides the brilliant career at the ring, Hulk Hogan played in numerous movies, mainly comedies. No wonder a vast online audience was eager to watch the ex-wrestling star in a new role. The scandalous video generated several million views.

Hogan’s lawyer claimed that Gawker Media acted with an ulterior motive for destroying a reputation of his plaintiff. Besides, another motive is the financial benefit gained by Gawker Media from posting the video. Attorneys for Hogan estimated that the web portal earned $15 million. The defendant tried to persuade the court that the revenue is no more than $11,000. However, a Florida jury found Gawker Media guilty and awarded Hogan $140 million in damages. The judge refused the media company to allow more time to appeal for a new trial. Three months after the verdict, Gawker Media had to file for bankruptcy protection being unable to pay off the penalty. Currently, assets of the online media company are auctioned off as the administration is trying to keep jobs and ensure non-stop operation of the web portal.