Court award Hulk Hogan $115 million as compensation in sex-tape suit

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."