Michael Rapaport Under Fire For Dismissing Hulk Hogan’s Past

Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport is facing intense backlash from social media users for what many see as his dismissing Hulk Hogan‘s controversial past, which incorporates a racist rant and claims of infidelity from his ex-wife, Linda Hogan.

In a brand new video, Rapaport, 55, addressed the “disrespect” he claims to have seen online about Hogan since his death in late July 2025.

“That is what we’re not going to do,” he said, adding, “We’re not going to be disrespecting Hulk Hogan.”

As Rapaport continued, the podcast host said he remained unbothered by Hogan’s “controversy outside of the ring.”

“I do not care about his endorsing [Donald] Trump, I do not care in regards to the stuff that was controversial, we’re not going to be disrespecting the person with the 18-inch pythons,” he added.

“Forget you as an adult, sicko,” Rapaport continued. “Think in regards to the kids.”

Although Rapaport didn’t specify which of Hogan’s past controversies he was dismissing, many users assumed he was referring to the infamous 2007 racist rant wherein Hogan expressed disappointment along with his daughter, Brooke Hogan, for dating a Black man, admitting, “I suppose we’re all a little bit racist.”

Within the transcript, which was confirmed and published by several sources, Hogan was also quoted saying, “I mean, I’d slightly if she was going to f-ck some n-gger, I’d slightly have her marry an 8-foot-tall n-gger price 100 million dollars!”

Shortly after, the WWE cut ties with Hogan, declaring in an announcement that its company was “committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds.”

On Instagram, Rapaport began facing criticism over his words almost immediately.

“One thing a white man gone do is defend one other white man,” someone wrote. “So this ain’t surprising.”

Another person quipped, “And this is precisely why he have to stay outta black people’s business. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again!”

One other person chimed in and wrote, “We do not care about him otherwise you! RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warner.”

A fourth user added, “Yeah, he has at all times been problematic to me. Never wanted him on the cookouts.”

Years later, in a 2015 statement to PEOPLE, Hogan apologized for using “offensive language,” calling his behavior “unacceptable.”

He went on to say that there was “no excuse” for his actions before claiming he believed in equality for all.

“This is just not who I’m. I imagine very strongly that every body on the earth is very important and shouldn’t be treated otherwise based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs, or otherwise,” Hogan said on the time. “I’m dissatisfied with myself that I used language that’s offensive and inconsistent with my very own beliefs.”

And that is not the one major controversy Hogan faced during his profession.

Based on PEOPLE, Hogan’s ex-wife, Linda Hogan, filed for divorce in 2007 after 24 years on account of the WWE legend’s “infidelities.”

Years later, she addressed their family dynamic in an emotional video, calling it “the worst mess.”

Hogan died in late July 2025 from cardiac arrest. He was 71.

Fellow WWE stars, resembling Ric and Charlotte Flair, posted heartfelt tributes to the late wrestler, expressing how much he meant to their family.

Dwayne’ The Rock’ Johnson also shared an announcement, recounting their epic “Icon vs. Icon” faceoff at “WrestleMania 18.”

Johnson remembered the gang being “electric,” adding, “It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd response was all for you.”

The “Game Plan” actor went on to praise the “Hogan Knows Best” star for being some of the outstanding WWE personalities of all time.

“… you ‘drew the home’ meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, in your way of becoming the best of all time,” Johnson wrote in his post.

“From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and crazy world of skilled wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and ceaselessly,” he added. “Thanks for the home, brother… Thanks for the home.”