As reported yesterday, Hulk Hogan was awarded an additional $25million in punitive damages against Gawker, on top of the $115million he was awarded the previous Friday.
Speaking in his first interview since the case closed, Hogan told Good Morning America's Linzie Janis: "[Gawker] was hoping that, financially, I wouldn't be able to stay in the game with them, and I'd quit or tap out or something. felt like I had this monster on my shoulders no matter where I went..."
Speaking of breaking down as the verdict was read out on Friday, Hogan added: "just … water just came pouring out of my eyes. I just started shaking. I couldn't hear anything except the judge going, ‘Yes’ to that or ‘Yes’ to this or ‘Yes’ for damages. I don't remember what they said,” the former WWE star explained. “But it was just so overwhelming when I knew that we had won and people believed me. It was just -- gosh, it was a moment. It was a moment.”
In a statement with Us Weekly, Hogan's legal team said: "We’re exceptionally happy with the verdict. We think it represents a statement as to the public’s disgust with the invasion of privacy disguised as journalism. The verdict says no more."
The interview is due to air this morning stateside.