Hulk Hogan passed away at age 71 last Thursday (July 24) in Clearwater, Florida. While loved ones and fans of the iconic wrestler have been grieving his death, criticism against him has also resurfaced. His passing was a reminder of his life and career, which includes past racist and controversial remarks, including about putting wrestling moves on Kamala Harris. Amid the backlash, Michael Rapaport hopped on social media to defend the late wrestler and his legacy.
RELATED: Hello, 911? Video Shows Hulk Hogan Asking Ohio Crowd About Puttin’ His Wrestling Moves On VP Kamala Harris
Michael Rapaport Goes IN Over Hulk Hogan’s Icon Status
For context, police do not suspect any foul play in the passing of Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea. Medical professionals confirmed he passed 90 minutes after first responders arrived at his Florida home for a cardiac arrest call, per the Associated Press. Hogan was arguably the WWE’s biggest star in history. That remained true after the organization cut ties with him in 2015 for three years. Additionally, it had removed his name from its Hall of Fame over racist remarks.
In a passionate social media rant, Michael Rapaport leaned into the good, refusing to hold the late wrestler accountable for the troubles. He called out the critics, saying ‘The Hulkster’ won’t be disrespected.
“I don’t care if he had some controversy outside the ring. I don’t care if he endorsed Donald Trump. We’re talking about one of the most original characters in American popular culture history whether you know wrestling or you’re a fan or wrestling or not. We are talking about a guy who created something out of his imagination that captured the world’s attention.”
Rapaport added that he doesn’t care about Trump’s support or controversial history. “We’re not gonna be disrespecting the Hulkster for the joy that he gave. Forget you as an adult, sicko. Think about the kids. Think about you as a kid. Talk about a real life superhero,” he said. See what else Michael Rapaport shared below.
What Comments Have Landed Hulk Hogan In Hot Water?
In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hulk Hogan over $115 million against Gawker Media. Hogan sued them for posting a video of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife. The litigation led to the discovery that Hogan had used racial slurs in 2007 to describe his daughter’s Black ex-boyfriend.
“I am a racist, to a point,” Hogan said, before adding the slur against Black people, according to a transcript.
Hogan apologized at the time and called the language “unacceptable.” Around the same time, some outlets reported that Hogan used the same slur on a recorded phone call with his son.
Despite his apology, Hulk Hogan’s enthusiastic endorsement of conservative political figures like longtime friend President Donald Trump has shed doubt on his sincerity. In August, he riled up an Ohio crowd when he asked whether he should bodyslam or “drop the leg” the former Vice President of the United States. He also clowned her Indian heritage and made a racist gesture about indigenous Americans. The month prior, he had given a speech in favor of Trump at the Republican National Convention.
The Rock Celebrates Hulk Hogan After His Death
‘The Right Time’ podcast host and sports writer Bomani Jones recently noted there were two sharply different reactions to Hogan’s death. Some, like Michael Rapaport, have refused to harp on Hulk Hogan’s past controversies and chosen to celebrate his accolades and influences. While others, like Jones, have struggled with his behavior and remarks.
On Friday, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, whose fame arguably rivals Hogan’s acclaim, paid tribute. Johnson is the son of pioneering wrestler Rocky Johnson, one of the WWE’s first Black champions. Still, he said Hogan was a hero “to millions of little kids.”
“You may have ‘passed the torch’ to me,” Johnson wrote under a 2002 video showing him and Hogan facing off at Wrestlemania. “But you, my friend…you ‘drew the house’ meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time.”
Other notable Black professional wrestlers, from Booker T and Mark Henry, to Jacqueline Moore and Carlene ‘Jazz’ Moore-Begnaud, have found success and fame in the WWE.
RELATED: Michael Rapaport & Russell Simmons Clap Back At DJ Akademiks For Calling The Founding Fathers Of Hip-Hop “Dusty”
Associated Press staff Safiyah Riddle contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
What Do You Think Roomies?
