Vince McMahon has used his first interview since resigning from the WWE to defend Hulk Hogan over historic claims of racism.
The former WWE chairman, who stepped away from the company in January 2024 after a sexual misconduct lawsuit was filed against him, spoke exclusively to TMZ about the Hulkster in a special documentary.
Hogan passed away at the age of 71 last month, sending shockwaves across the wrestling and entertainment industry.
The former wrestling star was a fan favourite for decades, until a racism scandal in 2015 damaged his reputation and crushed his popularity. In fact, Hogan was booed by large sections of the WWE audience during his last televised appearance.
Hogan was shunned by WWE amid racism scandal
The issue of racism stems from a leaked sex tape in 2015, in which Hogan can be heard using the N-word and saying: “I guess we’re all a little racist.”
On top of that, there was leaked audio from a 2008 conversation, in which Hogan also used racist language.
When the scandal first came to light, McMahon and the WWE severed ties with the wrestling icon and even took him out of the Hall of Fame.
“It was unforgivable and I was aghast, ‘What happened?’” McMahon said in his TMZ interview. “When those things occurred, that’s not like him. ‘What in God’s name is going on?’”
He added: “As soon as it happened, obviously, the company didn’t have anything to do with him anymore.”
McMahon had no issues bringing Hulk Hogan back
Three years after being pushed away by the WWE, McMahon decided to bring Hogan back.
The company put the Hulkster back in the Hall of Fame, while the wrestling icon began to make appearances at major events.
McMahon revealed he had no qualms about giving the multi-time world champion another chance.
He said: “I knew he wasn’t racist. I’ve been with him for so many years. He wasn’t a racist. He said some racist things. He should pay for that, and he did.”
McMahon added: “In the end, I think everyone saw the real Hulk Hogan, Terry Bollea, and they felt, ‘Wait a minute, this guy doesn’t act like a racist. He’s not a racist.’ We all make mistakes. That was a big one, but he wasn’t a racist.”
The former WWE chairman also revealed he had mixed emotions about not taking part in any of the tributes which the company organised for Hogan.
McMahon is dealing with his own major scandal as his civil lawsuit for allegations of sexual assault and trafficking continues.
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