Tampa, Fla. (WTSP) - Hulk Hogan has been involved in many lawsuits over the past two years, including ones against the Graziano family and the cereal brand Cocoa Pebbles, for using his likeness.
But now Hulk is suing his own best friend, radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge, over the release of a sex tape that shows Hulk having sex with Bubba's ex-wife.
10 News obtained copies of each of the civil lawsuits. One is against the website Gawker for posting the video. The other is against Bubba and his ex-wife, saying, "They have engaged in outrageous, irresponsible, and despicable conduct that should be punished to the maximum extent under the law."
Wrestlemania's Hulk Hogan crossed the street to Tampa's Federal Courthouse Monday evening, tag teaming with a group of attorneys. With dark sunglasses on, a black t-shirt, and jeans, what he didn't say spoke volumes.
At issue is a serious smackdown, he says, of his privacy. Hogan's attorney, David Houston, says, "We will not tolerate it."
Hulk Hogan's sex tape is so racy 10 News isn't able to show it.
Hogan has admitted that it was recorded six years ago at Bubba's home. He admitted to having sex with Bubba's ex-wife, Heather Clem, but says he had no idea he was being recorded.
While he refused to speak to reporters at the news conference, he had plenty to say on Piers Morgan Tonight. Hogan said, "At the end of the day, you realize it was a horrible choice. I am accountable and any excuse I make, whether it was a rough time in my life or the people that were there were my friends, they kind of baited me into it. None of that matters. It's just that you're accountable and be honest."
Hogan, who is the godfather of Bubba the Love Sponge's son, is named in the suit, as well as Heather Clem. That civil lawsuit was filed in Pinellas County court for an undetermined amount. The civil lawsuit filed against Gawker Media is for $100 million.
But what's odd about the tape is that, at least according to TMZ, who claims to have watch the entire thing, Hogan leaves the room after the sex act and Bubba walks in. He allegedly tells Heather, "If we ever did want to retire, all we'd have to do is use this footage of him."
10 News spoke with Bubba's attorney, who says his client is the real victim. "I don't know how you sue a victim," he said.
He says Bubba loves Hulk Hogan, and Hogan was even the best man in Bubba's wedding. He also says Bubba can't talk more about the lawsuit due to a clause in his divorce agreement.