Michael Rapaport is speaking out in defense of late WWE star Hulk Hogan, after the athlete’s racist past resurfaced following his death.
“We’re not gonna disrespect the Hulkster. That’s what we’re not gonna do. I don’t care if he had some controversy outside of the ring. I don’t care if he endorsed Donald Trump,” Rapaport, who called Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore out for having “ashy feet” live on air.
Michael Rapaport says he’s not tolerating any Hulk Hogan slander and doesn’t care about the controversy surrounding his name.pic.twitter.com/MddbGj5s9W
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) July 26, 2025
“We’re talking about one of the most original characters in American pop culture history,” he continued. “Men, women, and children all knew who Hulk Hogan was. The great Hogan. When the Hulkster was out there, oiled up with his goatee and his hair? Pure joy. Elation. A total original.”
In 2015, a leaked tape from 2007 exposed him using racist slurs, leading to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame and widespread public backlash. He later apologized and was reinstated in 2018.
Hulk Hogan died on July 24, 2025, from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home, after years of declining health and multiple surgeries. He was 71.
