What happened with Hulk Hogan and Bubba the Love Sponge wife? Fractious history explored as radio host sparks concern with viral deathbed rumor

In a recent broadcast of Bubba the Love Sponge Show, the eponymous radio personality made a massive claim about Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea’s health.

Speaking to his co-hosts, Bubba (aka Todd Alan Clem) shared that the WWE Hall of Famer is on his deathbed. Citing unnamed sources, he further claimed that Hulk Hogan’s family members have been informed. Bubba the Love Sponge was heard saying in a viral clip from his livestream:

“I got some pretty reliable information last night that there are phone calls being made to various family members about getting to town to come say your goodbyes.”

He added:

“Rumor has it. Allegedly, Hogan is in the hospital. And I’ve heard people say that he might not make it.”

Eventually, the rumors were quashed by a TMZ report that claimed that Hulk Hogan was hospitalized for neck and back issues, but he was not on his deathbed. The exclusive story from the outlet also confirmed that the WWE legend did have neck surgery last month, but it was a success.

It is not the first time Hulk Hogan and Bubba the Love Sponge have made headlines. Back in October 2012, the wrestler was involved in a s*x tape scandal with the radio host’s ex-wife, Heather Clem. Gawker published a video that was initially shot in 2006, which resulted in a $100M lawsuit against the media company founded by Nick Denton.

Hulk Hogan had also sued Bubba the Love Sponge and his ex-spouse, claiming that the private encounter was shot without his knowledge. The lawsuit with the former couple was eventually settled, while Gawker remained the sole defendant.

Hulk Hogan sued and won against Gawker after his tape with Bubba the Love Sponge’s wife was published on the website

Terry Bollea reportedly sued Nick Denton’s website for invasion of privacy and emotional distress after his video with Heather Clem got publicly released. According to Us Weekly, Bubba the Love Sponge and his ex-wife were also the defendants in the case, but settled outside the court.

According to TMZ, Todd Clem issued an apology stating he believed that Hogan did not know that he was being filmed and, thus, he didn’t play a part in releasing the tape. Bubba the Love Sponge added:

“It is my belief that Hulk is not involved, and has not ever been involved, in trying to release the video, or exploit it, or otherwise gain from the video’s release in any way.”

Following his settlement with Bubba, Hulk Hogan also settled with Heather, while his legal feud with Gawker continued until 2016. Throughout the trial, the wrestler maintained that he was unaware of being filmed, while the defense argued about the defendant’s First Amendment rights.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hulk Hogan’s lawyer asked in his closing remarks:

“Do you think the media can do whatever they want?”

At the same time, Gawker’s attorney was quoted as saying:

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“We don’t need the First Amendment to protect what’s popular. We need a First Amendment to protect what’s controversial.”

Ultimately, Hulk Hogan was awarded $115M in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. Months after the verdict from a six-member jury, Gawker filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was put up for sale. Eventually, a settlement of $31M was reached in November 2016, as per The New York Times.

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