Vince McMahon Sparks Fury Defending Hulk Hogan’s Racist Past: “He Wasn’t Racist”

Vince McMahon’s legacy is etched in controversy, and the 79-year-old former WWE magnate has ignited fresh outrage by leaping to the defense of Hulk Hogan’s documented racist history. McMahon’s remarks, made for a new TMZ documentary on the late wrestling icon, have drawn swift condemnation across social media and beyond, reopening painful wounds from Hogan’s past. This latest defense, coming from a figure who himself exited WWE under scandal, forces a grim reckoning with racism’s enduring stain on sports entertainment.

What Did Vince McMahon Say About Hulk Hogan’s Racist Past?

McMahon’s comments attempt to separate Hogan’s identity from his actions. Speaking to TMZ (reported by Yahoo!, August 2025), McMahon asserted: “He wasn’t racist. He said some racist things. He should pay for that, and he did. In the end, I think everyone saw the real Hulk Hogan, Terry Bollea, and they felt, ‘Wait a minute, this guy doesn’t act like a racist. He’s not a racist.’” This defense references the 2007 Gawker lawsuit, where transcripts revealed Hogan using racial slurs and expressing disgust that his daughter Brooke was dating a Black man. Hogan explicitly stated he’d only tolerate it if the man was a wealthy athlete. These revelations shattered Hogan’s all-American persona and fractured his personal life irreparably. His daughter Brooke distanced herself profoundly, excluding herself from his will and denying him access to her newborn twins. While Hogan’s work ethic and charisma earned admiration, his refusal to offer a meaningful public apology for his racist remarks left a permanent scar on his legacy. McMahon’s framing ignores this lack of accountability, suggesting the passage of time absolved Hogan’s actions.

Public Backlash and Social Media Reaction

The internet reacted with immediate scorn to McMahon’s defense. Critics labeled the logic absurd and accused McMahon of enabling racism. One X user bluntly stated, “One racist covering for another”, reflecting widespread sentiment that McMahon, embroiled in his own misconduct scandals before leaving WWE, lacks moral standing. Others found the remarks surreal, with one commenting, “I thought this was an Onion article for a second”, referencing the satirical news site. The backlash underscores a public unwilling to minimize racist language. As one user countered McMahon’s distinction, “Nah that didn’t make sense he a racist”. Hogan’s words weren’t isolated slips; they revealed deep-seated prejudice that impacted his family and community. Sociologists like Dr. Michael Eric Dyson (Georgetown University) consistently argue that repeated racist speech is evidence of racist belief systems, not mere error. McMahon’s attempt to rehabilitate Hogan’s image by divorcing the man from his words clashes with this reality and feels particularly tone-deaf in 2025.

The uncomfortable truth remains: saying racist things makes you racist. Hogan’s legacy is irrevocably dual—a wrestling titan whose talent was eclipsed by his bigotry. McMahon’s defense only amplifies the harm, reminding us that accountability, not excuses, is the only path forward. Watch the TMZ documentary critically and decide for yourself—does separating the man from his malice hold water?

Must Know

What racist comments did Hulk Hogan make?
During a 2007 lawsuit against Gawker, court transcripts revealed Hogan using racial epithets and expressing vehement disapproval of his daughter dating a Black man. He specifically stated he’d only reluctantly accept it if the man was a high-earning athlete. These comments caused massive public backlash (Gawker Media vs. Bollea, 2007).

How did Hogan’s racism affect his family?
The revelations devastated Hogan’s relationship with his daughter Brooke. She ultimately removed herself as a beneficiary from his will and, in a profound estrangement, prevented Hogan from meeting her newborn twins. Their relationship never recovered before Hogan’s death (TMZ, 2025).

What exactly did Vince McMahon say defending Hogan?
In a 2025 TMZ documentary, McMahon claimed, “He wasn’t racist. He said some racist things. He should pay for that, and he did… this guy doesn’t act like a racist. He’s not a racist.” This attempted to absolve Hogan of being labeled a racist despite his documented remarks (Yahoo!, August 2025).

Did Hulk Hogan ever properly apologize for his racist remarks?
While Hogan expressed regret in some interviews, many critics and the public felt he never issued a full, unequivocal apology taking deep responsibility for the harm caused. His daughter’s continued estrangement suggested personal amends were also lacking (ESPN, 2015 follow-ups).

Why is McMahon’s defense controversial?
McMahon himself resigned from WWE in 2024 amid severe misconduct allegations, damaging his credibility. Defending Hogan’s racism without acknowledging Hogan’s lack of accountability or the ongoing impact of such language is seen as dismissive and harmful (The New York Times, 2024).