Vince McMahon Argues Hulk Hogan 'Wasn't a Racist' But 'Said Some Racist Things'

In a new interview, ex-WWE CEO Vince McMahon argues the late Hulk Hogan, once infamously heard on tape describing himself as “racist to a point” and using the N-word, “wasn't a racist” but “said some racist things.”

Speaking with TMZ’s Harvey Levin, McMahon conceded that Hogan’s much-publicized remarks were “racist,” calling them “unforgivable.” Still, he said such rhetoric, in his opinion, was “not like him.” McMahon was also asked about ultimately welcoming Hogan back to WWE despite the controversy. For his part, Hogan had issued several public apologies, though in more recent years he was very publicly aligned with MAGAism.

“I knew he wasn’t a racist,” McMahon said. “I’d been with him for so many years. He wasn’t a racist. He said some racist things and he should pay for that, and he did. But in the end, I think that everyone saw the real Hulk Hogan, Terry Bollea, and they felt [like] ‘Now, wait a minute. This guy, he doesn’t act like a racist.’ He’s not a racist. We all make mistakes. That was a big one but he wasn’t a racist.”

The conversation appears in TMZ’s The Real Hulk Hogan special, which debuted Tuesday and also features appearances from Sylvester Stallone and Mick Foley, among others.

Hulk’s complicated legacy has remained a subject of scrutiny and debate following his death from a heart attack last month. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was among those who paid tribute to Hogan, calling him his “childhood hero” when reflecting on the impact he had on his own wrestling trajectory.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend,” Hogan’s reps said in a statement confirming his death in July. “Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”