After the storm of controversy surrounding Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan) in the last few days that lead to his association with the WWE being completely erased, his daughter Brooke has come out on social media to defend her father.
Most people know Brooke from the reality TV show about the Bollea family, and she posted an emotional poem to her facebook page warning people not to judge her dad without knowing who he is:
~If You Knew My Father~
By Brooke BolleaIf you knew the dad I knew,
you'd know his tender heart.He'd never want to hurt his fans,
or family from the start.If you knew my father,
you would know how hard he fought...and the way it brought a smile to people light, medium and dark.
We always fight a battle
that people never see,and sometimes when you're hurting, you don't think logically.
Human isn't perfect,
and perfect is not he,but I can tell you one thing, it's just not what it seems.
Cause If you knew the dad I knew,
you'd know he raised me well.He taught me folks are so much more
than shades could ever tell.And If you knew my father,
you would know he's down to earth.He may have slammed the giant,
but remembers life's true worth.If you knew my father,
if you just walked in his shoes...then you would know that microscope that comes with yellow boots.
If you knew my father,
you would see your own in mine.And if he was your father, you could never find divide.
Cause me- I bet your father
or someone that you loveMaybe regrets something
they wish they'd never done.So if you know my father,
remember he's a man,and you would crave relief if people judged everything you did.
The lord says to forgive them,
don't be the one to stone...so please remember his strong arms when you were all alone.
The lives he's changed, the friends he's made,
the people he's inspired...It makes me sad to see my dad
defeated and so tired.If you knew my father,
you would know just how he's hurting...For he loves every one of you, regardless of your story.
And if you met my father,
I know he'd give you love!He'd lift you up, apologize and give you all a hug.
For those who think you know my father,
remember who you are.We all can make mistakes and carry ugly scars.
Because I know my father,
I can promise this-Just like you and I, things we don't mean can sometimes slip.
We all continue learning.
This life can be so rough...So if you know my father, please try not to be tough.
My father has a daughter,
and I have feelings too.And if I knew your father, I would do the same for you.
Hogan for his part has formally issued an apology (via people.com):
"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.
