ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Jurors in St. Petersburg are hearing opening statements in a civil case between pro wrestler Hulk Hogan and the popular website Gawker.
On Monday morning, Judge Pamela M. Campbell told the jury of six plus three alternates that Hogan is claiming invasion of privacy.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, is suing Gawker for $100 for publishing a sex tape of him and the wife of a Tampa radio personality.
Hogan, who is also claiming an intentional infliction of emotional distress, says the tape was made without his knowledge.
Gawker says the publication was a legitimate scoop because Hogan had talked openly about his sex life before, in forums such as Howard Stern’s radio show.
Hogan’s attorneys say it garnered 7 million views.
Hogan is wearing all black, along with a plain black bandanna. Gawker founder Nick Denton is also present.
The trial is expected to last three weeks.
