SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
February 26 Update
The ongoing legal battle between Hulk Hogan and Gawker is reportedly scheduled to go trial next Tuesday, March 1.
Hogan was in Florida court on Friday as his team went over last-minute details at a pre-trial hearing. WTSP reports that attorneys for both sides went over “logistics and jury selection.”
In January, Judge Pamela Campbell recommended both sides go through mediation to settle the case. However, it appears a trial will happen, barring another delay or last-minute change between Friday and Tuesday.
January 20 Update
The recurring third character in the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker legal battle, Judge Pamela Campbell, recommended Wednesday that both sides seek mediation instead of going to trial in Hogan’s $100 million suit against the website.
Judge Campbell said in Florida court that after reviewing the DVD material of Hogan engaging in sexual acts with Heather Clem, the ex-wife of Bubba the Love Sponge, she believes the attorneys for both sides need to “go back to mediation” after they get to review the full DVD content. She added, “I’m not going to require it, but I think you’ll see why.”
Attorneys will review five DVDs released by the FBI as part of their investigation into an alleged extortion attempt against Hogan.
For now, it appears the scheduled trial date in March is tentative following this latest development. (TampaBay.com Report, citing a Politico Report)
January 13 Update
A Florida judge denied Gawker’s request to have Hulk Hogan’s $100 million lawsuit dismissed on Wednesday.
Gawker argued that Hogan’s civil suit be thrown out by claiming that Hogan has “deceived the court” and has been “fraudulent.” The argument was related to Hogan’s statements to the FBI and to the court as it relates to the tape containing Hogan engaged in sexual acts with Heather Clem, the ex-wife of Bubba the Love Sponge.
Hogan’s attorneys argued that Hogan has been “victimized through an extortion scheme” and Florida law “does not support dismissal for fraud” based on the allegations presented by Gawker.
Judge Pamela Campbell heard the arguments and quickly dismissed Gawker’s request for the suit to be dismissed.
The case is still scheduled to go trial on March 7. [ Full Report by Tampa’s Ch. 10 News ]
I totally hope Hogan is able to settle this case with Gawker and get a fair amount of money. Both sides would be wise to settle out of court.