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11/22/2024 11:13:20 am

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Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Speaks Up on Hulk Hogan’s Racist Rant

Former pro wrestler Dwayne Johnson comments on Hulk Hogan's racist slur.

(Photo : REUTERS/MARIO ANZUONI)

Former pro wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson expressed his sentiments on Hulk Hogan's racial slur controversy, saying he is both disappointed over Hogan but does not think he is a racist.

Johnson, who is also a WWE wrestler, finally spoke out about Hogan's racist rant that went public a few weeks ago. Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, has been in hot water an after audio transcript of him leaked, exposing him using racial slurs.  

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The movie star shared that he has known Hogan for many years, with his dad and uncle even training him in the 70's when they were both starting out in wrestling, People reported.

Johnson also added, speaking via satellite for the Television Critics Association panel, "Pretty disappointed with what I heard. I've known Terry for years. I didn't know him to be a racist. Not justifying what he said but we've all talked trash, especially in private, and he's paid the price." 

After the audio tape went public, the World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. severed all ties with the wrestler and even removed him from the WWE Hall of Fame.

A date has already been set in March for the lawsuit that Hogan issued against Gawker Media for releasing the audio tape, Washington Post reported.

Hogan released a statement to People, apologizing for his actions. "Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation," he said. "It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it," the 61-year-old wrestler said.

Meanwhile, Johnson has been busy filming for a couple of movies. He is set to star in the movie adaptation of the arcade game "Rampage," which is set to be released on April 2017, Press Examiner reported.

Johnson recently starred in the earthquake action movie "San Andreas" that has recently pulled in $460 million. The actor is now shooting for the eighth installment of the "Fast and Furious" action movie franchise. 

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