NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

WWE cuts ties with Hogan amid report that he used slurs

STAMFORD, Conn.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. has severed ties with Hulk Hogan amid a report that one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling history used racial slurs in a conversation caught on a sex tape.

The company deleted most references to Hogan on its website and issued a statement Friday saying it had terminated its contract with him.

WWE did not give a reason but issued a statement saying it is “committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.”

On Friday, a joint report from RadarOnline.com and The National Enquirer said that Hogan had used racial slurs in a conversation caught on a sex video that is the subject of an invasion-of-privacy lawsuit.

In a statement, the 61-year-old Hogan apologized for using “offensive language” in a conversation eight years ago.

Jacket worn by Ringo in movie sells for $46K

BOSTON

The black wool double-breasted suit jacket that Ringo Starr wore in the 1965 Beatles movie “Help!” has sold at auction for more than $46,500.

Boston-based RR Auction announced Friday that the jacket with soft gray vertical pinstripes, six black buttons, and the name “Ringo” sewn inside was part of the online Marvels of Modern Music auction that closed Thursday.

RR said the buyer is “a top rock ’n’ roll collector in Rhode Island” but did not disclose a name.

Associated Press