Hulk Hogan Death Reignites Controversy Over Resurfaced Racist Remarks

The wrestling world grapples with complex emotions following the death of WWE legend Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Gene Bollea) at age 71. Confirmed by his manager on July 24, 2025, Hogan succumbed to cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. While tributes poured in from fans and peers, the news also triggered the viral resurgence of a damaging 2015 scandal: audio recordings of Hogan using racial slurs, including the N-word, while disparaging his daughter Brooke’s then-boyfriend.

Hulk Hogan’s Death and the Immediate Aftermath

Hulk Hogan, an icon synonymous with wrestling’s global explosion in the 1980s and 90s, had faced significant health challenges in recent years, including multiple back surgeries and heart-related issues. His manager’s statement confirmed his passing, leaving behind his wife Sky Daily, daughter Brooke Hogan, and son Nick Bollea. Social media became a battleground of reactions, reflecting Hogan’s complicated legacy. Wrestlers like Elijah Burke shared heartfelt condolences, while others, like Twitter user Travis Matthew, pointedly referenced his history: “America didn’t lose anything when Hulk Hogan passed. Except a racist piece of shit.” The timing proved jarringly coincidental – Hogan died precisely a decade after the racist recordings were first publicly released.

The Resurfaced Racist Remarks Explained

The controversy centers on audio leaked in 2015, originating from a 2007 sx tape involving Hogan and Heather Clem, the wife of his friend Bubba the Love Sponge. A transcript reveals Hogan making abhorrent comments during a private conversation. He was recorded saying: “I mean, I’d rather if she was going to fk some n**r, I’d rather have her marry an 8-foot-tall n**r worth a hundred million dollars! Like a basketball player…I guess we’re all a little racist. Fking n***r.” These remarks specifically targeted an unnamed Black man his daughter Brooke was dating at the time. The backlash was swift and severe. WWE, citing its commitment to “diversity and inclusion,” terminated Hogan’s contract, removed all references to him from their website, and expunged him from their Hall of Fame. Hogan issued a public apology, calling his language “unacceptable,” but the damage to his reputation was profound. WWE’s corporate diversity statement reflects the values violated by his remarks.

Brooke Hogan’s Relationship and Family Estrangement

The identity of Brooke Hogan’s boyfriend targeted in Hogan’s rant remains publicly unknown. Brooke, now 37, had reportedly written a poem defending the relationship at the time. Her life has since moved forward; she married professional ice hockey player Steven Oleksy in 2022, and the couple welcomed fraternal twins in January 2025. However, the scandal cast a long shadow over her relationship with her father. Reports indicate Brooke and Hulk Hogan had been estranged since 2023, with communication severed long before his death. This familial rift underscores the deep personal fallout from his actions, extending beyond the public sphere.

The Legacy of a Wrestling Icon

Hulk Hogan’s undeniable impact on sports entertainment is inextricably tangled with his later controversies. His matches headlined WrestleMania, his persona defined an era, and his “Hulkamania” catchphrases became cultural touchstones. Yet, the resurfaced audio forces a necessary, uncomfortable examination of the man behind the persona. His death doesn’t erase the pain caused by his racist words, particularly to the Black community and his own family. As fans mourn the loss of a childhood hero, the discourse rightly demands acknowledgment of his harmful actions and their lasting consequences. Hulk Hogan’s death forces wrestling to confront its complex history: celebrating his monumental contributions while unflinchingly acknowledging the hurtful racism he expressed, a stark reminder that legacies are rarely simple and accountability endures beyond the grave. Share your respectful reflections on his impact below.

Must Know

Q: What exactly did Hulk Hogan say that caused the scandal?
A: Leaked audio from 2007 (publicly released in 2015) captured Hogan repeatedly using the N-word. In a key segment, he ranted about his daughter Brooke dating a Black man, saying he’d prefer she be with a wealthy Black athlete, followed by the statement: *”I guess we’re all a little racist. Fking n**r.”* The remarks led to his firing from WWE.

Q: Why did Hulk Hogan’s racist comments resurface now?
A: The comments resurfaced virally on social media immediately following the announcement of Hulk Hogan’s death on July 24, 2025. The timing was particularly notable as it marked exactly 10 years since the recordings were first published by Gawker (later involved in a $100 million lawsuit with Hogan).

Q: How did WWE respond to the racist remarks when they surfaced in 2015?
A: WWE reacted swiftly and decisively. They terminated Hogan’s contract, removed all mentions of him from their official website (including his Hall of Fame profile), and severed all ties. They cited their commitment to diversity and inclusion as the reason, though they didn’t explicitly detail the scandal in their initial statement.

Q: Was Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke still in contact with him when he died?
A: Reports indicate Brooke Hogan and her father had been estranged since 2023, meaning they had not spoken for approximately two years prior to his death. Their relationship was severely damaged by the scandal and other family issues.

Q: What was the cause of Hulk Hogan’s death?
A: Hulk Hogan died of cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on July 24, 2025, as confirmed by his manager. He had a history of significant health problems, including multiple back surgeries and heart issues.

Q: Who is Brooke Hogan married to now?
A: Brooke Hogan married professional ice hockey defenseman Steven Oleksy in a private ceremony in Orlando, Florida, on June 8, 2022. The couple welcomed fraternal twins on January 15, 2025.