Prof. Kirtley Discusses Privacy and Press Freedom in Hulk Hogan Suit Against Gawker

Professor Jane Kirtley was quoted by CNN in its story previewing the Hulk Hogan privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media. The news site posted a tape of the wrestler having sex, arguing that the wrestler had already made his personal life public. The trial begins on March 7 in Florida. 

Professor Kirtley said that Hogan's invasion of privacy claim clashes with Gawker's constitutional argument. "I always think the fundamental problem with privacy cases is that, at least in those involving disclosure of 'private facts,' essentially the plaintiff is trying to argue that the publication of truthful information should be punishable," Kirtley said. "Under the First Amendment, I think this raises profound issues.