In a fiery response to the recent passing of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, actor Michael Rapaport has ignited a heated debate on social media, calling out the disrespect directed at the late star. Rapaport passionately defended Hogan, urging the public to remember the joy he brought to millions, regardless of his controversial past, including his support for Donald Trump. “We’re not going to disrespect the Hulkster,” Rapaport asserted, emphasizing Hogan’s impact on American pop culture.

However, the backlash was swift and intense. Critics, particularly from the Black community, are pushing back against Rapaport’s defense, highlighting Hogan’s history of racist remarks that overshadow his wrestling legacy. A prominent voice in this backlash, Big Ant of Urban Politicians TV, slammed Rapaport for downplaying Hogan’s racism while simultaneously acknowledging his political controversies. “You can’t ignore the pain he caused,” Big Ant declared, stressing that Hogan’s legacy is tainted by his disrespect towards Black Americans.

The tension escalated as Big Ant accused Rapaport of being out of touch, suggesting he’s attempting to rewrite history by focusing solely on Hogan’s contributions to wrestling while ignoring the broader implications of his actions. “You can’t tell me you didn’t know about the racism,” he charged, challenging Rapaport’s claims of ignorance. The discourse has sparked a viral conversation online, with many expressing their outrage over the attempt to sanitize Hogan’s legacy.

As emotions run high, this unfolding drama raises critical questions about how society remembers its icons and the legacies they leave behind. The debate is far from over, and it’s clear that the intersection of race, history, and celebrity is a volatile mix that continues to resonate deeply in today’s cultural landscape.