Closing arguments began on Friday in Hulk Hogans case against the gossip site Gawker.
A lawyer for the WWE legend addressed the jury first, recounting the arguments Hogans legal team has made throughout the trial 10-day trial.
Hogan, whose given name is Terry Bollea, is suing Gawker for $100 million for posting a clip of a tape made in 2012 of him having sex with his former friend’s wife. Hogan contends it was a violation of his privacy.
Hogan’s attorney first said that Hogan didn’t consent to the video. One of his initial statements said that Gawker did not follow usual journalism procedures before posting the video because they didn’t call Hogan for comment.
The media has the power to do great good and the power to do great harm, a lawyer for Hogan told the court. Whats significant in the world of Gawker is a tape of my client in a private bedroom at the lowest point in his life, in a private act and what they know at that time is that it was secretly recorded they do nothing by way of trying to find anything out. They dont even call my client.
The lawyer referred to Hogan as defenseless, repeatedly emphasizing that Hogan was not contacted before the video went live on Gawkers website.
The fact that they didnt have the common decency to call one person who was involved in it before posting the video tells you everything you need to know about Gawker.
The attorney took issue with the policies at Gawker, referring to the staff there as a bunch of young kids sitting there in what they call their campfire chats, taking a private act in a private place and using it to joke.
The lawyer charged that Hogan was mocked by the article that accompanied video Gawker posted. He also took aim at Nick Denton, Gawkers founder, and his views on privacy.
The lawyer stated Gawker posted the video to increase traffic to the website and make money. More than once, he referenced a cease and desist letter that was sent by Hogans personal attorney asking Gawker to take down the video.
He told the jury the entire trial could have been avoided if Gawker had the decency to take down the clip when asked.
The lawyer for Hogan concluded by telling the jury, Go through the judges instructions and render a verdict for Mr. Bollea.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.