Hulk Hogan Refers to “Fucking Niggers” in Leaked Transcript

Update, 11:40 a.m.

In a statement to People, Hogan apologized for referring to black people as “fucking niggers,” among other utterances revealed in the transcripts:

Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it. This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.

Hogan’s apology comes less than a day after WWE began erasing references to the wrestler from its website. Per Wrestling News Source (as highlighted by The Daily Beast’s Marlow Stern):

On WWE.com, Hogan is no longer listed on the WWE Hall of Fame page, and all of his merchandise has also been removed from WWEShop.com. The only thing currently remaining that mentions Hogan involves WWE’s upcoming Australian tour, which Hogan was scheduled to take part in as General Manager. However, when any attempt to access this page is made, a message appears stating “you are not authorized to access this page.”

The Daily Beast speculated that the removal is tied to a 3-year-old audio clip from a radio show where Hogan discussed being referred to, and referring to others, as “niggas” and “niggers.” Per the gossip website MediaTakeOut, however, the erasure is likely tied to the court transcripts referenced by the Enquirer.

Hogan is suing Gawker Media for $100 million in Pinellas County, Florida for publishing excerpts of a video tape depicting him having sex with Heather Clem, the wife of Bubba the Love Sponge Clem.

The only comment from Hogan so far is a cryptic tweet issued earlier today: