Gawker's former editor defends decision to publish Hulk Hogan's 'amusing' sex tape
THE former boss of gossip website Gawker has defended his decision to publish Hulk Hogan's sex tape.
Hulk Hogan's sex tape has been branded newsworthy and amusing
A.J. Daulerio told the Florida court that he found the video both "newsworthy" and "amusing" back in 2012.
The clip, which is said to have left the wrestler "completely humiliated", focuses on his romp with Heather Clem, the wife of his then-best friend, Bubba the Love Sponge.
In a taped deposition played yesterday, Hogan's attorney Doug Mirell asked the ex-editor when a celebrity sex tape would not be newsworthy.
"If they were a child," Daulerio replied. When questioned further, he said he would not publish sex tapes of celebrities under the age of four.
The former wrestler says he was left humiliated back in 2012
The clip included Hogan and the wife of his then best friend
"No four-year-old sex tapes, OK," Mirell added, the New York Post reported.
Daulerio went on to admit that he did not try to contact the television personality, Clem or her radio shock jock spouse.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, is suing New York-based Gawker Media for $100 million (£70million) for posting an edited version.
The star is using for $100 million in damages
The star claims he did not know he was being filmed at the time and that DJ Bubba gave his blessing to the pair.
Giving evidence this week, Hogan said Gawker's release of the tape deeply affected his personal and professional life.
"I was completely humiliated. It was even embarrassing as my character. Hulk Hogan was embarrassed," the father-of-two revealed.