Hulk Hogan handed away at age 71 final Thursday (July 24) in Clearwater, Florida. Whereas family members and followers of the enduring wrestler have been grieving his dying, criticism towards 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 largest star in historical past. That remained true after the group minimize 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 great, 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 one of the unique characters in American in style tradition historical past whether or not you recognize wrestling otherwise you’re a fan or wrestling or not. We’re speaking a couple of 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 assist 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. Discuss an actual life superhero,” he mentioned. See what else Michael Rapaport shared under.
What Feedback Have Landed Hulk Hogan In Sizzling Water?
In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hulk Hogan over $115 million towards Gawker Media. Hogan sued them for posting a video of him having intercourse along with his former greatest buddy’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 mentioned, earlier than including the slur towards Black individuals, in keeping with a transcript.
Hogan apologized on the time and known as the language “unacceptable.” Across the identical time, some retailers reported that Hogan used the identical slur on a recorded cellphone name along with his son.
Regardless of his apology, Hulk Hogan’s enthusiastic endorsement of conservative political figures like longtime buddy 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 US. He additionally clowned her Indian heritage and made a racist gesture about indigenous People. The month prior, he had given a speech in favor of Trump on the Republican Nationwide Conference.
The Rock Celebrates Hulk Hogan After His Loss of life
‘The Proper Time’ podcast host and sports activities author Bomani Jones lately famous there have been two sharply completely different reactions to Hogan’s dying. Some, like Michael Rapaport, have refused to harp on Hulk Hogan’s previous controversies and chosen to have a good time his accolades and influences. Whereas others, like Jones, have struggled along with his habits 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 mentioned Hogan was a hero “to hundreds of thousands of little children.”
“You might have ‘handed the torch’ to me,” Johnson wrote below a 2002 video displaying him and Hogan dealing with off at Wrestlemania. “However you, my buddy…you ‘drew the home’ that means you offered out each enviornment 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 workers Safiyah Riddle contributed to this report through AP Newsroom.
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