Hulk Hogan handed away at age 71 final Thursday (July 24) in Clearwater, Florida. Whereas family members and followers of the long-lasting wrestler have been grieving his loss of life, criticism in opposition to him has additionally resurfaced. His passing was a reminder of his life and profession, which incorporates previous racist and controversial remarks, together with about placing wrestling strikes on Kamala Harris. Amid the backlash, Michael Rapaport hopped on social media to defend the late wrestler and his legacy.
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Michael Rapaport Goes IN Over Hulk Hogan’s Icon Standing
For context, police don’t suspect any foul play within the passing of Hulk Hogan, whose actual identify is Terry Bollea. Medical professionals confirmed he handed 90 minutes after first responders arrived at his Florida dwelling for a cardiac arrest name, per the Related Press. Hogan was arguably the WWE’s greatest star in historical past. That remained true after the group lower ties with him in 2015 for 3 years. Moreover, it had eliminated his identify from its Corridor of Fame over racist remarks.
In a passionate social media rant, Michael Rapaport leaned into the nice, refusing to carry the late wrestler accountable for the troubles. He known as out the critics, saying ‘The Hulkster’ gained’t be disrespected.
“I don’t care if he had some controversy exterior the ring. I don’t care if he endorsed Donald Trump. We’re speaking about probably the most authentic characters in American fashionable tradition historical past whether or not you recognize wrestling otherwise you’re a fan or wrestling or not. We’re speaking a few man who created one thing out of his creativeness that captured the world’s consideration.”
Rapaport added that he doesn’t care about Trump’s help or controversial historical past. “We’re not gonna be disrespecting the Hulkster for the enjoyment that he gave. Overlook you as an grownup, sicko. Take into consideration the youngsters. Take into consideration you as a child. Speak about an actual life superhero,” he stated. See what else Michael Rapaport shared beneath.
What Feedback Have Landed Hulk Hogan In Sizzling Water?
In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hulk Hogan over $115 million in opposition to Gawker Media. Hogan sued them for posting a video of him having intercourse along with his former finest pal’s spouse. The litigation led to the invention that Hogan had used racial slurs in 2007 to explain his daughter’s Black ex-boyfriend.
“I’m a racist, to some extent,” Hogan stated, earlier than including the slur in opposition to Black folks, based on a transcript.
Hogan apologized on the time and known as the language “unacceptable.” Across the identical time, some shops reported that Hogan used the identical slur on a recorded telephone name along with his son.
Regardless of his apology, Hulk Hogan’s enthusiastic endorsement of conservative political figures like longtime pal President Donald Trump has shed doubt on his sincerity. In August, he riled up an Ohio crowd when he requested whether or not he ought to bodyslam or “drop the leg” the previous Vice President of the USA. He additionally clowned her Indian heritage and made a racist gesture about indigenous Individuals. The month prior, he had given a speech in favor of Trump on the Republican Nationwide Conference.
The Rock Celebrates Hulk Hogan After His Dying
‘The Proper Time’ podcast host and sports activities author Bomani Jones just lately famous there have been two sharply totally different reactions to Hogan’s loss of life. Some, like Michael Rapaport, have refused to harp on Hulk Hogan’s previous controversies and chosen to rejoice his accolades and influences. Whereas others, like Jones, have struggled along with his conduct and remarks.
On Friday, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, whose fame arguably rivals Hogan’s acclaim, paid tribute. Johnson is the son of pioneering wrestler Rocky Johnson, one of many WWE’s first Black champions. Nonetheless, he stated Hogan was a hero “to tens of millions of little youngsters.”
“You will have ‘handed the torch’ to me,” Johnson wrote below a 2002 video exhibiting him and Hogan going through off at Wrestlemania. “However you, my pal…you ‘drew the home’ which means you bought out each area and stadium throughout the nation in your prime as Hulk Hogan, in your means of turning into the best of all time.”
Different notable Black skilled wrestlers, from Booker T and Mark Henry, to Jacqueline Moore and Carlene ‘Jazz’ Moore-Begnaud, have discovered success and fame within the WWE.
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Related Press employees Safiyah Riddle contributed to this report through AP Newsroom.
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