The premiere of Bubba the Love Sponge’s controversial documentary about Hulk Hogan has sparked considerable debate within the wrestling community and Hogan family. While many critics and fans expected the film to be provocative or “salacious,” Brooke Hogan, Hulk Hogan’s daughter, has publicly dismissed those claims, standing firmly behind the documentary’s portrayal of events.
Brooke Hogan’s Support for the Documentary
Despite ongoing legal battles between Bubba the Love Sponge and her brother Nick Hogan, who filed a lawsuit aiming to block the documentary’s release, Brooke Hogan is choosing a different path. She plans to attend the premiere in Tampa, Florida, signaling her support for Bubba and the film itself[1][5].
In recent comments to TMZ Sports, Brooke explained the background of her relationship with Bubba, whom she referred to as “Uncle Bubba.” She emphasized the long-standing friendship between Bubba and the Hogan family, highlighting how Bubba was a genuine friend and crucial support during difficult periods in their lives[1].
Brooke said she had already viewed the documentary and feels it fairly represents the circumstances surrounding the infamous Hulk Hogan sex tape leak. According to her, the film is not an attempt to sensationalize or exploit the story but rather to clarify the facts and vindicate her father. She stated:
“The truth is, neither my dad OR Bubba wanted this tape to get out, it was stolen, and that’s what the documentary is about. If anything, it vindicates my dad and shows what a crime this was, and how jacked up the system is that allowed the people that stole it to walk free.”[1]
The Gawker Lawsuit and Its Fallout
The leaking of the Hulk Hogan sex tape in 2012 was a defining scandal, leading to a landmark court case against Gawker Media. Hulk Hogan was awarded $140 million in damages, and the case ultimately drove Gawker into bankruptcy[2]. Bubba’s documentary, titled “Video Killed the Radio Star: The Untold Story of the Hulk Hogan Sex Tape Scandal,” recounts the insider perspective on this controversy, exploring the betrayal and fallout from an alleged close friend turned adversary.
While the film has topped documentary charts on Apple TV, it has also reignited family tensions—prompting Nick Hogan to sue Bubba for trademark infringement, unauthorized footage use, and breach of a 2012 settlement intended to prevent the public discussion of the tape and associated events[2][4].
Addressing the “Salacious” Label
The main criticism facing Bubba’s documentary is the claim that it sensationalizes one of wrestling’s darkest moments. Some argue that by revisiting the sex tape incident in detail, the film risks dredging up painful memories and overshadowing Hulk Hogan’s legacy.
However, Brooke Hogan rejects this viewpoint. She argues that the documentary does the opposite: it humanizes Hulk Hogan and clarifies his victimhood in the debacle. According to Brooke, the film exposes how the justice system failed to hold accountable the real perpetrators who stole and leaked the tape.
Sources close to the Hogan family suggest that Brooke’s stance carries weight backstage, where many respect her insight and connection to the story. “Brooke’s loyalty and perspective come from someone who lived the fallout firsthand,” a WWE insider told Ringside News. “Her endorsement lends credibility to Bubba’s project as more than just a hit piece or tabloid fodder”[3].
Bubba the Love Sponge’s Role in the Documentary
Bubba the Love Sponge, once a close confidant of Hulk Hogan, offers a unique insider’s narrative in the documentary. His perspective provides context about the personal dynamics and betrayals involved, which have been mostly unreported until now.
While Bubba’s involvement has stirred controversy—especially given the lawsuit from Nick Hogan—many fans acknowledge that his firsthand experience adds depth to the story beyond what was presented during the initial scandal and trial coverage[2].
What This Means for Hulk Hogan’s Legacy
The documentary’s release and Brooke Hogan’s vocal support illustrate ongoing complexities about Hulk Hogan’s legacy in the wrestling world. Though the sex tape incident was a major scandal, Brooke’s comments indicate an effort to reclaim the narrative by highlighting the injustice he endured.
As WWE and its fans reflect on Hulk Hogan’s storied career, this documentary may influence perceptions by shifting the focus from scandal to victimization and legal failure. It raises broader questions about privacy, media ethics, and celebrity culture in the digital age.
Backstage Quote:
“Given the history and the family divisions, Brooke stepping up in defense of Bubba’s documentary is surprising to some, but it shows her commitment to setting the record straight,” revealed a wrestling industry source close to the Hogans. “Her voice might help fans see the story with fresh eyes instead of just focusing on the past drama.”
As September 2025 progresses, it will be interesting to monitor how Bubba the Love Sponge’s documentary affects public discourse around the Hulk Hogan scandal and if it prompts further legal developments or family reconciliations. Meanwhile, Brooke Hogan’s endorsement offers a rare glimpse of unity amid controversy.