**Hulk Hogan’s Death Sparks Heated Social Media Debate: A Legacy Marred by Controversy and Racism**

*Reporting live from Iris Club in Atlanta for Hype Plus News, I’m John Aba.*

In a week that has already been filled with loss and reflection, the death of former WWF legend Hulk Hogan at 71 has added a complex layer to the conversation. Hogan, who passed away from cardiac arrest on Thursday, joins a tragic list of 80s icons recently taken from us, including Azie Osborne and Malcolm Jamal Warner. However, Hogan’s death has sparked a far more heated debate online, particularly within Black social media communities, who have used this moment to recall his controversial remarks and public actions over the years.

**Hogan’s Legacy: Wrestling Icon or Divisive Figure?**

Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in history. His name is synonymous with the WWF and later the WWE, where he helped shape the golden era of wrestling in the 1980s. Yet despite his iconic status, Hogan’s reputation has been irrevocably tainted by a series of racist remarks that resurfaced in 2015, sparking backlash from fans, critics, and even his employer, the WWE.

The controversy erupted after a sex tape of Hogan was leaked, which contained a rant where he was heard using the N-word in reference to his daughter, Brooke Hogan’s, boyfriend. The exact quote, which was cited widely at the time, was: “I’d rather have her marry an 8-foot tall N-word worth a hundred million dollars like a basketball player.”

This statement, among other racial comments, caused an uproar, leading the WWE to sever ties with Hogan by removing him from their Hall of Fame section, terminating his contract, and erasing his merchandise. In response to the backlash, Hogan issued a public apology, acknowledging that he used offensive language and expressing regret for his actions. He claimed that the remarks were inexcusable and contrary to his beliefs about racial equality.

### **The Social Media Backlash: A Divided Response**

As the news of Hogan’s death broke, the social media landscape became immediately divided. While many fans and celebrities offered their condolences, some took the opportunity to remind the world of Hogan’s past. Prominent media personalities, like Roland Martin, didn’t shy away from addressing his controversial history, especially in light of the political undertones surrounding Hogan’s later endorsements.

For instance, media personality Klay Travis shared a tribute to Hogan on Twitter, writing, “RIP Hulk Hogan, I love this man,” alongside a video from the 2020 Republican National Convention in which Hogan endorsed Donald Trump. This post triggered a fiery response from Roland Martin, who shared a meme of Hogan’s infamous 2015 sex tape rant, using the quote to remind followers of Hogan’s ugly history. Martin captioned the meme, “Same guy,” drawing attention to the fact that while some mourn Hogan’s death, others refuse to forget the racial offenses that marked his public persona.

**The Meme That Went Viral**

The meme shared by Martin was a direct reference to one of Hogan’s most notorious outbursts, which was made public in 2015. The offensive quote became emblematic of the racist undertones that many critics argue were a part of Hogan’s character. While the WWE took decisive action to distance itself from him at the time, Hogan’s apology and subsequent return to the public eye did little to sway the opinions of those who felt his actions had been ignored or glossed over.

Despite Hogan’s apology, it’s clear that many within the Black community have not forgiven him. The decision to bring up these past comments upon hearing of his death was not only about remembering Hogan’s legacy as a wrestling icon, but also about holding him accountable for his offensive behavior.

### **Why the Black Community is Reacting Differently**

The Black community’s reaction to Hogan’s death has been markedly different from other celebrity deaths. While many mourn the loss of public figures like Malcolm Jamal Warner, whose passing was met with an outpouring of grief, the response to Hogan has been much colder. The reason for this, as social media users pointed out, is rooted in the historical context of racism, and Hogan’s refusal to take full accountability for his past actions. Black Twitter, in particular, has reacted to his death with sarcasm and disdain, emphasizing their unwillingness to forgive him for the offensive remarks he made.

One viral post encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “Yeah, Hulk Hogan passed this morning, 71 years old, cardiac arrest, and the timeline immediately goes crazy with RIP. I hope you rot in hell, you racist piece of \[expletive].” The post exemplifies the anger that still simmers beneath the surface for many people of color, who are frustrated by the fact that Hogan’s legacy has been largely celebrated without addressing the hurtful words he said.

### **A History of Controversy: Hogan’s N-Word Admission**

In addition to the sex tape scandal, Hogan has a history of racially insensitive behavior that dates back decades. In a 2009 interview, he admitted that he used the N-word in the past, recalling how Black wrestlers used the term around him and how he began using it in return. He said, “They’re calling me \[N-word], and then I started saying it. You know, I always said it, but now all of a sudden I get heat when I said it.” This admission was alarming, as it revealed that Hogan had normalized the use of the racial slur over the years.

Hogan’s comments, both in the past and present, have left an indelible stain on his legacy. While some fans have defended him, citing his contributions to wrestling and his impact on the entertainment industry, others have argued that his actions cannot be separated from the broader context of racial inequality and historical racism.

**The Debate: Should Hogan’s Legacy Be Defined by His Past Mistakes?**

As the debate over Hogan’s legacy rages on, many are asking whether it is fair to continue bringing up his controversial past, especially after his death. Some argue that it’s essential to acknowledge the harm caused by his words, while others believe that his contributions to the wrestling world should be given more weight.

In the end, the question remains: can a person’s actions in the past be forgiven if they show remorse, or are we forever tied to the mistakes we make, especially when those mistakes are so hurtful?

For many, the issue is not about whether Hogan deserved to be mourned, but whether we can reconcile the parts of his legacy that were tainted by racism. In the case of Hulk Hogan, it seems that the conversation surrounding his death is as much about his personal failings as it is about his professional achievements.

### **Conclusion: The Complicated Legacy of Hulk Hogan**

Hulk Hogan’s death has sparked a broader conversation about race, accountability, and forgiveness in the public eye. While many wrestling fans will continue to celebrate his iconic moments in the ring, there is a significant portion of the population that cannot forget the hurtful comments he made. For them, Hogan’s passing is an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which racism continues to affect society and how public figures can use their platform responsibly.

As social media continues to be a powerful tool for holding celebrities accountable, the conversation around Hogan’s death will likely continue to evolve. The lasting question remains: can a man’s legacy be defined by his mistakes, or does the public have the right to forgive and move on? In the case of Hulk Hogan, it seems that the debate is far from over.