Hulk Hogan accepted a $31
million settlement from Gawker, E! News confirms. "As with any negotiation
for resolution, all parties have agreed it is time to move on," David
Houston, an attorney for the former pro wrestler, tells E! News in a statement.
Denton issued a lengthy statement online acknowledging the settlement and
calling it "unpalatable." Read his full statement
Friday's financial award
was for economic injuries and emotional distress while today's ruling
specifically related to punitive damages typically awarded to punish the
defendant.
In court testimony, Hulk's
lawyer said Gawker Media is worth $83 million while the founder is said to have
a net-worth of $121 million pre-judgment.
For those who haven't been
following the case closely in recent weeks, Hulk sued the media company for
$100 million back in 2012 and accused the website of invasion of privacy and
other torts after posting 101 seconds of a sex tape featuring the wrestling
icon and his ex Heather Clem.
"Thank you God for
justice, only love 4life," Hulk shared on Twitter after the initial
verdict was read Friday evening. "Told ya I was gonna slam another
giant."
His team added, "We're
exceptionally happy with the verdict. We think it represents a statement as to
the public's disgust with the invasion of privacy disguised as journalism. The
verdict says no more."
That sentiment was only
echoed Monday when the team added, "We are extremely happy with the
verdict and [Hulk] feels vindicated. Our victory will also deter others from
victimizing innocent people. This verdict now requires those organizations to
respect privacy and if not pay the price for failing to do so."
Gawker, however, made it
clear that they will be ready to fight once the appeals process begins.
"There is so much this
jury deserved to know and, fortunately, that the appeals court does indeed
know," Gawker said in a statement. "So we are confident we will win
this case ultimately based on not only on the law but also on the truth."
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