Former WWF wrestler Hulk Hogan on Friday was awarded $115 million with the possibility of more after court found the Gawker website violated his privacy by publishing a sex tape of the celebrity wrestler.
According to Reuters, after deliberating six hours, the jury awarded Hogan $60 million for emotional distress and $55 million for economic damages.
"This is a victory for everyone who has had their privacy violated," Hogan's attorney, David Houston, said.
As the award was announced, the 62-year-old mustachioed wrestling icon cried and hugged Houston.
The case has drawn attention as a digital-age test of a celebrity's privacy rights and freedom of the press under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Gawker publisher Nick Denton said the website would appeal the verdict. A Gawker attorney previously said a loss could put the website out of business.
"We all knew the appeals court will need to resolve the case," Denton said in a statement. "We feel very positive about the appeal that we have already begun preparing, as we expect to win this case ultimately."
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment