Hulk Hogan’s Ex-Wife Blames MAGA Lifestyle For EMMYS Snub

Years after her separation from the late Hulk Hogan, his ex-wife Linda Hogan remains openly expressive about him, recently voicing her displeasure over his exclusion from the 2025 Emmys “In Memoriam” segment. 

The “American Professional” wrestler, who died at 71, was not the only notable name excluded, but Linda believes her ex-husband’s political stance is responsible for the snub.

Linda and Hulk were married for 26 years during the peak of his fame as a WWE star until their divorce in 2009.

The “Television Academy” snubbed Hogan in the “In Memoriam” segment of the Emmy broadcast, and Linda found that suspicious, offering her own reasons.

While speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Linda alleged that her ex-husband’s embrace of conservative politics may have been a major factor, though she admitted, “It’s just a guess, but they should have named him!”

She also emphasized that she had no proof to back her claims. She further insisted that Hogan’s speech in support of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance’s ticket at the 2024 Republican National Convention ruined any chance of him receiving posthumous recognition at the Emmys.

Despite her strong words, Linda still admitted her remarks were speculation while highlighting Hulk’s achievements that made him worthy of a nod during the “In Memoriam” segment.

“I really can’t tell you why they left him out…just a guess considering the way he was treated at his last appearance in LA,” she alleged.

While Linda might have spoken most strongly about Hogan, he was not the only one left out of the broadcast.

According to Entertainment Weekly, other notable stars snubbed included “Sopranos” actor Jerry Adler, “What’s Happening” actress Daniel Spencer, “King of the Hill” cast member Jonathan Joss, and “Smallville” alum Terence Stamp. 

Gene Hackman and Val Kilmer were also not featured. Instead, these late Hollywood stars were honored on the Emmys website.

Meanwhile, other stars who passed away since last year did make it into the broadcast tribute, such as Maggie Smith, Michelle Trachtenberg, George Wendt, Ozzy Osbourne, David Lynch, Quincy Jones, and Anne Burrell. The segment featured Vince Gill performing “Go Rest High on That Mountain” with Lainey Wilson.

The 62-year-old mother of two surprised the internet with how deeply she expressed grief over the death of her ex-husband, whom she divorced in 2007, citing “infidelity” as the reason. Many slammed her tribute as fake praise to get attention.

As reported by The Blast, she took to Instagram, sharing a throwback photo of her and Hulk snuggled together with the caption, “I love and miss you so much.”

The post sparked mixed reactions online. Some users criticized her, asking, “Where was all this praise and love when he was alive???” while others defended her, with one writing, “No one was in their house to know what exactly happened. I’m sure she misses him and [loves] him.”

Since saying goodbye to her famous ex-husband, Linda hasn’t shied away from opening up about their relationship.

In her tribute following his passing, Linda addressed their famously tumultuous marriage, writing, “I loved Hulkster more than he loved me. It hurt when he cheated.”

Despite the pain, the television personality declared that her ex-husband’s death hit her hard. “I’ve been weeping all day. The finality. It’s just shocking. We spent every minute together for so many years. I’ve known him since he was 28 yrs old! I was 22,” she wrote, per The Blast.

She admitted she never expected him to pass so soon, stressing that she loved him more than he loved her.

The wrestling legend passed away on July 24 at his Clearwater, Florida, residence.

As reported by The Blast, Hulk’s cause of death was confirmed as an acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.

Medical documents further revealed that Hogan had a history of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and was also battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This cancer affects a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes.

There were no signs of foul play involved, authorities say.