- In 2007, Gawker Media exposed billionaire Trump advisor Peter Thiel (co-founder Paypal, early Facebook investor) as gay.
- In retaliation, Thiel bankrolled ($10 million) wrestler Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker for releasing his sextape (2012).
- In 2016, a Florida court awarded Hogan $140 million (eventually settled for $31 million); ruling forced Gawker into bankruptcy.
- Bankruptcy proceedings may expose Thiel hacked Gawker and payed bribes to help build case.
