Hulk Hogan Sues Gawker And Clem Over Sex Tape

Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan is taking legal action after a sex tape involving him and his best friend's wife was posted online.

Hogan said he had consensual sex with Heather Clem about six years ago in the home she shared with her husband Todd, but did not know he was being secretly recorded.

The video was posted on the online gossip site Gawker. Hogan is seeking $100m (£62m) in damages from the New York-based media company, which declined to comment on the case.

It is unclear who gave the video to Gawker, and Hogan is bringing separate legal actions against the website, and the Clems.

Hogan claimed the video caused "severe and irreparable injury which cannot be adequately compensated by monetary damages".

Hogan, 59, is seeking the rights to the video in both lawsuits.

Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, wore a tight black T-shirt, black trousers and sunglasses as he stood outside of the federal court in Tampa, Florida, while his lawyers spoke to the media. He did not comment.

"Mr Hogan had a reasonable expectation of his privacy, just as all Americans have a reasonable expectation of their privacy in their bedrooms," said Charles Harder, a member of his legal team.

Hogan recently acknowledged on various TV talk shows that he had sex with Heather Clem while he was married to Linda Hogan. He said he had her husband's permission.

In the tape, a "mystery man" - supposedly Clem - tells Hogan: "All right, listen. You guys do your thing."

Hogan replies "All right, cool." after which the mystery man says: "I'll be in my office if you need me."

It is not clear whether Hogan and Todd Clem, a radio DJ whose legal name is now Bubba the Love Sponge Clem, are still friends.

The Clems have since divorced, as have Hogan and his wife.

Stephen Diaco, a lawyer for Clem, said Hogan was the best man at the Clems' wedding and he is also a godfather to Bubba's child from a previous relationship.

"My hope is that these two can preserve their friendship," Mr Diaco said.

"I can't comment on the suit. This has caused harm to Bubba and he didn't release it, he didn't condone the release of it. He wants to find out who did that and he wants that person to be held accountable."

It is illegal in Florida to record someone without their permission.