Hulk Hogan has issued his first public statement following “racist gate” to his favorite tabloid People Magazine:

“Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it. This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.”

Hogan’s comments emerged through his ongoing lawsuit against Gawker.com for leaking his sex tape with Heather Clem. Transcripts from further recordings allegedly show him discussing his daughter Brooke and how he’s is unhappy that she was dating a black guy and letting him finance her music career. “I’d rather have her marry an 8-foot-tall n*gger worth a hundred million dollars! Like a basketball player! I guess we’re all a little racist. Fucking n*gger,” Hogan allegedly tells Clem.

Meanwhile both Mark Henry and Booker T have commented on the situation:

pic.twitter.com/f7de0355vG

— TheMarkHenry (@TheMarkHenry) July 24, 2015

Henry of course was on the receiving end of a racial slur several years ago when Michael Hayes drunkenly said words to the effect of “I’m more of a n*gger than you.”

Booker T Tweeted the following, acknowledging his own humorous history with the word:

20 years ago I made a huge mistake by saying something I shouldn't have on National TV.

— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) July 24, 2015

It's 2015 and the n-word should be eradicated from the English language in my opinion.

— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) July 24, 2015

I am shocked by the statements made by Hulk Hogan. It's unfortunate, but that's something that he's going to have to deal with.

— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) July 24, 2015

As previously noted WWE have removed all active associations with the Hall of Famer, including pulling his merchandise, halting licensing agreements, and terminating (mutually according to Hogan’s lawyers) all of his contracts. Word is that Ric Flair is the front runner to replace him on Tough Enough. One would assume Hulk will also be pulled from WWE 2K16.

One old pal is sticking by Hogan and that’s the eccentric Dennis Rodman:

I've known @HulkHogan for 25 years. Here he is hanging with Kylin in NJ. There isn't a racist bone in that mans body. http://t.co/QnT9rmrpVe

— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) July 24, 2015