In July 2015, after reports that a recording captured Hulk Hogan using racist language, Hogan issued a public response and WWE announced it had terminated his contract. On August 31, he apologized during an appearance on Good Morning America, saying, “I’m not a racist, I never should have said what I said. It was wrong. I’m embarrassed by it.”
What happened in July 2015?
News coverage on July 24 reported that WWE had ended its relationship with Hogan, whose legal name is Terry Bollea. The Washington Post reported that WWE removed his profile and merchandise from its properties. Its account said the National Enquirer had published a transcript of the recording. Those are contemporaneous reports; the complete wording of Hogan’s July response is not established here by an authenticated primary copy.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Why Hulk Hogan Matters | $20.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
My Life Outside the Ring: A Memoir | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Hollywood Hulk Hogan | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf | $22.09 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Hulk Hogan: The Life Story | $12.00 | Buy on Amazon |
ABC News covered Hogan’s public response after WWE cut ties with him. Its headline characterized him as asking fans to forgive him, but a longer verbatim quotation from the July statement should not be inferred from that summary. ABC News’s contemporaneous report provides the account.
What did Hogan say in his televised apology?
On August 31, 2015, Hogan appeared on Good Morning America and apologized. TIME reported his words as: “I’m not a racist, I never should have said what I said. It was wrong. I’m embarrassed by it.” TIME’s report quotes that statement. ABC News also covered the appearance and included an editor’s note distinguishing the recording in which Hogan was heard using a slur from the separate tape at the center of the Gawker lawsuit: ABC News’s August 31 coverage.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
What action did WWE take, and what happened later?
WWE announced in July 2015 that it had terminated Hogan’s contract and removed him from its Hall of Fame page, according to the Washington Post’s report of the announcement. The separation lasted three years. The Associated Press later reported that WWE reinstated Hogan in its Hall of Fame in 2018; its 2025 obituary recounts that timeline retrospectively.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which recording was being discussed?
The recording discussed in reports of Hogan’s racist language should not be conflated with the separate tape involved in the Gawker lawsuit. ABC News added an editor’s note clarifying that distinction in its August 31, 2015 coverage. The available accounts identify the reported recording and the lawsuit tape as different recordings; they do not establish a complete authenticated copy of Hogan’s original July statement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Made by The Booklegger
Rank #3
Rank #2
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
