Vince McMahon Says Hulk Hogan’s Racist Remarks Were “Unforgivable” but Insists He “Wasn’t a Racist”

Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon recently addressed the controversy surrounding Hulk Hogan in an interview with TMZ’s Harvey Levin.

In the past, Hogan was recorded making statements in which he described himself as “racist to a point” and used the N-word. McMahon acknowledged that these comments were “racist” and “unforgivable” but emphasized they did not reflect Hogan’s overall character.

“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.”

McMahon also discussed Hogan’s return to WWE after the controversy. He noted Hogan had issued multiple public apologies and suggested that, over time, fans were able to see his true character.

While McMahon admitted Hogan had made serious mistakes, he pointed out that the wrestler’s long-standing contributions to the sport and his personal reputation played a role in his comeback.

The full interview appears in TMZ’s “The Real Hulk Hogan” special, which premiered Tuesday. The program also features appearances from Sylvester Stallone and Mick Foley, who share their perspectives on Hogan’s career and lasting influence in professional wrestling.