Hulk Hogan discusses Gawker lawsuit verdict on The Today Show

Former WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan spoke out about the case on The Today Show on Thursday.

Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.

After a Florida jury awarded Hulk Hogan $140 million in damages in his lawsuit against Gawker, the former WWE wrestler spoke out about the case on The Today Show on Thursday.

The jury concluded that Gawker invaded Hogan’s privacy and caused him emotional distress by publishing a portion of a sex tape featuring Hogan and the then-wife of a friend.

“I think that makes a huge statement,” Hogan said of the amount of money he was awarded, adding that the thinks the verdict will serve a message to others that they will be held accountable for their actions.

Hogan went on to say that the case has affected his everyday life and the way he interacts with his fanbase due to worry over how the public now perceives him.

“I feel very victorious,” Hogan said of moving on from the case, adding that those close to him know what kind of person he is and that he is going to fight to improve his image one day at a time.

Gawker has challenged the verdict and released a statement saying it was confident it will win the case on appeal.