Michael Rapaport Under Fire From Social Media Users For Dismissing Hulk Hogan's Controversial Past: 'I Don't Care'
Michael Rapaport Dismisses Hulk Hogan's Controversial Past, Including His Racist Rant, In A New Video
In a new video, Rapaport, 55, addressed the "disrespect" he claims to have seen online about Hogan since his death in late July 2025.
"That's what we're not going to do," he said, adding, "We're not going to be disrespecting Hulk Hogan."
As Rapaport continued, the podcast host said he remained unbothered by Hogan's "controversy outside of the ring."
"I don't care about his endorsing [Donald] Trump, I don't care about the stuff that was controversial, we're not going to be disrespecting the man with the 18-inch pythons," he added.
"Forget you as an adult, sicko," Rapaport continued. "Think about the kids."
Hulk Hogan Used Racist Language During A Previous Conversation
Although Rapaport didn't specify which of Hogan's past controversies he was dismissing, many users assumed he was referring to the infamous 2007 racist rant in which Hogan expressed disappointment with his daughter, Brooke Hogan, for dating a Black man, admitting, "I guess we're all a little racist."
In the transcript, which was confirmed and published by several sources, Hogan was also quoted saying, "I mean, I'd rather if she was going to f-ck some n-gger, I'd rather have her marry an 8-foot-tall n-gger worth a hundred million dollars!"
Shortly after, the WWE cut ties with Hogan, declaring in a statement that its company was "committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds."
Social Media Users Rip Rapaport Over Unwavering Support For Hogan
On Instagram, Rapaport began facing criticism over his words almost immediately.
"One thing a white man gone do is defend another white man," someone wrote. "So this ain't surprising."
Someone else quipped, "And this is exactly why he need to stay outta black people's business. I've said it once, and I'll say it again!"
Another person chimed in and wrote, "We don't care about him or you! RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warner."
A fourth user added, "Yeah, he has always been problematic to me. Never wanted him at the cookouts."
Hulk Hogan Apologized For His Words Several Years Later
Years later, in a 2015 statement to PEOPLE, Hogan apologized for using "offensive language," calling his behavior "unacceptable."
He went on to say that there was "no excuse" for his actions before claiming he believed in equality for all.
"This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs, or otherwise," Hogan said at the time. "I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs."
And that's not the only major controversy Hogan faced during his career.
According to PEOPLE, Hogan's ex-wife, Linda Hogan, filed for divorce in 2007 after 24 years due to the WWE legend's "infidelities."
Years later, she addressed their family dynamic in an emotional video, calling it "the worst mess."
The Wrestling World Mourns The Loss Of Hogan
Hogan died in late July 2025 from cardiac arrest. He was 71.
Fellow WWE stars, such as Ric and Charlotte Flair, posted heartfelt tributes to the late wrestler, expressing how much he meant to their family.
Dwayne' The Rock' Johnson also shared a statement, recounting their epic "Icon vs. Icon" faceoff at "WrestleMania 18."
Johnson remembered the crowd being "electric," adding, "It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you."
The "Game Plan" actor went on to praise the "Hogan Knows Best" star for being one of the most outstanding WWE personalities of all time.
"... you 'drew the house' meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time," Johnson wrote in his post.
"From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and crazy world of professional wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and forever," he added. "Thank you for the house, brother... Thank you for the house."
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