Hulk Hogan seemed to be in a good mood as he entered a courtroom in St. Petersburg, Fla., where the former WWE Hall of Famer will go against Gawker Media in a $100-million lawsuit. Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) is suing the online media company for publishing a clip of his 2006 sex tape along with a 1,400 word story on its website four years ago.
The 62-year-old legendary pro-wrestler claimed that he didn't know he was being filmed while he was having sex with Heather Clem, the wife of his friend and Tampa radio shock jock DJ Bubba the Love Sponge. Hogan claimed the leaked tape was an invasion of privacy that went on to damage in his personal life and professional career. His lawyer, David Houston, accused Gawker of violating First Amendment Rights: freedom of speech and of the press.
When Hogan arrived at the courthouse in St. Petersburg with Houston, he told reporters that he felt "pretty darn good," even though he was "not used to getting up this early."
Judge Pamela M. Campbell, who allowed the Hulkster to wear his signature bandanna in the courtroom, addressed the jury of six women and three men. She told the jury that Hogan is suing for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Gawker founder Nick Denton was also in attendance. Denton claimed that his company was exercising its First Amendment Rights when they published the story. He also claimed that his company didn't invade Hogan's privacy because the former reality TV star had bragged about his sex life in the past.
"Hulk Hogan was more than willing to talk about his sex life - including in two autobiographies, a reality TV series and Howard Stern's radio show - until he didn't like what Gawker had to say. Now he wants $100 million as compensation," Gawker wrote in a statement obtained by People.
"That is a high-stakes proposition, not just for Gawker, who is right now in the crosshairs, but for all of the people who exercise First Amendment rights," Seth Berlin, an attorney for Gawker, said.
Hogan is confident that the trial, which is expected to run for three weeks, will end in his favor. He posted a message on social media to his fans last week.
"Time for the real main event!"I AM" going to slam another Giant! Hogan vrs Gawker! Watcha Gonna Do Gawker? Only Justice Brother HH," Hogan wrote on Twitter.
