Former wrestler Hogan sues after sex-tape leak

Former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan sued a disc jockey, his ex-wife and a gossip website after a sex tape involving Hogan and the woman was posted online.

Hogan said in two lawsuits that he had consensual sex with his best friend’s wife, Heather Clem, about six years ago in the Clemses’ home, but he did not know he was being secretly recorded.

“Mr Hogan had a reasonable expectation of his privacy, just as all Americans have a reasonable expectation of their privacy in their bedrooms,” lawyer Charles Harder said.

The video was posted on the online gossip site Gawker. Hogan is seeking $100m (€77.3m) in damages from the New York-based media company, which declined comment.

It is unclear who gave the video to Gawker.

In the suit against the Clemses, Hogan claimed the video caused “severe and irreparable injury which cannot be adequately compensated by monetary damages”. Hogan is seeking the rights to the video in both lawsuits.

Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, wore a tight black T-shirt, black trousers and dark sunglasses as he stood outside of the federal court in Tampa while his lawyers spoke to the media. He did not comment.

It is not clear whether Hogan and Bubba the Love Sponge Clem are still friends. The Clemses have since divorced.

Hogan acknowledged on various TV talk shows recently that he had sex with Heather Clem while he was married to Linda Hogan. The Hogans have also divorced.

Hogan, his ex-wife and the couple’s son and daughter have appeared on the reality show 'Hogan Knows Best'.

Stephen Diaco, a lawyer for Clem, said Hogan was the best man at the Clemses’ wedding and he is also a godfather to their child.

“My hope is that these two can preserve their friendship,” said Mr Diaco. “I can’t comment on the suit. This has caused harm to Bubba and he didn’t release it, he didn’t condone the release of it. He wants to find out who did that and he wants that person to be held accountable.”

It is illegal in Florida to record someone without their permission, but it is now too long from the event to file criminal charges.