Watch CBS News

Jurors Say Hogan Was Distressed By Publication Of Sex Tape

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The six Florida jurors who sided with Hulk Hogan in his lawsuit against Gawker Media over the online publication of a sex tape say they believe the ex-pro wrestler was emotionally distressed over the incident.

In an ABC News interview that aired Thursday morning, the jurors said that despite Hogan's celebrity status, he's still a human being. They awarded him $140 million.

"If we were all in the same circumstance, how would we feel about it?" juror Paula Eastman said. "And, emotionally, we would have all been pretty devastated."

Salina Stevens said she looked for signs of remorse from Gawker Media founder Nick Denton but didn't see any.

Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy after it published the video in which he has sex with his best friend's wife. Hogan said he didn't know he was being recorded. Gawker said the footage was newsworthy information about a public figure, and protected by the First Amendment.

Denton, who says he'll appeal the verdict, told ABC he still believes the sex tape was newsworthy. He also said he does not think Hogan is credible when he says he did not know he was being recorded.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.