The long-standing drama between Bubba the Love Sponge and Hulk Hogan’s estate has intensified, as Bubba’s legal team fights against a lawsuit aiming to block his documentary release. The documentary, titled Video Killed The Radio Star: The Untold Story of the Hulk Hogan Sex Tape Scandal, reignited controversy over the infamous and legally fraught Hogan sex tape saga that previously captivated wrestling and media worlds.
Background: The Origins of the Lawsuit
This latest legal turmoil stems from Bubba Clem’s decision to produce a documentary exploring the 2007 sex tape scandal involving Hulk Hogan and Clem’s then-wife, Heather Clem. The tape became public knowledge when excerpts were posted online by Gawker Media, igniting a national firestorm. Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy, winning a historic $140 million verdict that led to Gawker’s bankruptcy[1][4].
Recently, Hulk Hogan’s son, Nick Hogan, acting on behalf of Hogan’s estate, filed a lawsuit attempting to stop Bubba from releasing the documentary, arguing it contains unauthorized footage and infringes on the late wrestler’s copyrights[1][5].
Federal Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order
A federal judge has now issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing Bubba from including the actual sex tape footage in the documentary. The ruling highlighted Bubba’s surreptitious recording of Hulk Hogan in what was supposed to be a private, consensual setting, which was later transferred to DVD without Hogan’s consent[2][3].
Judge Tom Barber’s seven-page decision acknowledged Bubba’s role in developing the documentary but sided with the Hogan estate in blocking release of any explicit or private images from the tape[2][3]. Despite this, the judge did not prohibit Bubba from releasing the remaining parts of the documentary—meaning the film is still scheduled for a private screening this Friday, excluding the contested footage.
Bubba Clem’s Response: Fighting Back in Court
In response to the estate’s lawsuit and the court order, Bubba’s legal team has aggressively pushed back. According to sources familiar with the case, Bubba maintains the documentary is a vital piece of storytelling shedding light on events long concealed, with elements beyond just the sex tape incident[1].
One wrestling insider close to the matter noted, “Bubba’s camp believes they have a strong case for the documentary’s release. They argue this production has newsworthy value and highlights key aspects of Hulk Hogan’s life beyond the tape, including their once friendship and fallout.”
What’s at Stake: Rights, Privacy, and Legacy
This legal battle raises significant questions about privacy rights, copyright protections, and the legacy of one of wrestling’s most iconic figures. Hogan’s prior victory against Gawker centered on unauthorized publication that caused emotional distress and privacy invasion. Now, Hulk Hogan’s estate seeks to protect his name and memory from what it sees as further exploitation[1][4].
The Hogan estate alleges Bubba does not hold rights to publish or profit from the tape or related materials, and they are demanding damages on top of the injunction against the tape footage[1]. Bubba’s counterarguments are expected to focus on documentary protections under free speech and public interest.
Impact on WWE and Wrestling Fans
Wrestling fans have followed this saga closely, as it intertwines with the legacies of beloved superstars and the backstage betrayals infamous in wrestling history. Sources close to WWE reveal that while the company is not directly involved, backstage sentiment remains mixed. Some see Bubba’s documentary as an unflattering reminder of a painful chapter, while others view it as an important part of wrestling’s complex narrative.
A WWE insider told us, “There’s no denying the impact Hogan had on wrestling, but this legal fight just brings up old wounds. Everyone’s waiting to see how this plays out without it overshadowing the man’s achievements.”
What’s Next? The Documentary’s Fate & Legal Outlook
The forced redactions mandated by the TRO mean Bubba’s documentary will premiere without the actual sex tape footage, though it is expected to still reveal new details surrounding the scandal and aftermath. The Hogan estate’s lawsuit remains ongoing, with further motions likely in the coming weeks to seek permanent injunctions or settlements.
Legal experts predict the following possible outcomes:
- A negotiated settlement that may allow limited documentary release with strict content controls.
- Prolonged litigation that could delay wide distribution.
- Potential appeals of the TRO or copyright claims.
Given Bubba’s determination and the estate’s protective stance, the case could extend for months, continuing to draw wrestling media scrutiny.
The legal dispute over Video Killed the Radio Star is emblematic of how deeply wrestling’s off-screen controversies can resonate for decades. As both sides prepare for the next chapter in court and in the court of public opinion, fans and legal observers alike will be watching this high-profile battle over privacy, legacy, and storytelling within the wrestling world.
“This fight is about more than just footage—it’s about who gets to tell the story of Hulk Hogan,” said a backstage source close to WWE talent relations. “And for many, that story is still unfinished.”