After weeks of legal chaos, it looks like the battle over Video Killed The Radio Star may finally be cooling down.
According to a new court filing on Tuesday, Bubba the Love Sponge (Todd Clem) and Woltz Films have reached a tentative settlement with Nick Bollea and Terry McCoy, who sued over the controversial Hulk Hogan sex tape documentary.
The update came via a notice of resolution filed in U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, confirming that all parties have agreed to a term sheet and are working toward a final written agreement.
Though a final deal hasnt been signed, both sides appear to be moving toward a peaceful resolution. The defendants also confirmed they wouldnt oppose the plaintiffs earlier request to extend their deadline to file an amended lawsuit while talks continue.
The lawsuit was originally filed last month by Nick Bollea and Terry McCoy on behalf of the estate of Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan), and it triggered a temporary restraining order that briefly halted the films release. Despite the TRO, a lightly edited version of the film was screened in Tampa and later released on digital platforms.
The plaintiffs accused Clem of violating a 2012 settlement agreement, infringing on Hogans trademarks, and engaging in unauthorized use of copyrighted material. Clem fired back by calling the TRO legally and constitutionally unsustainable and insisting he had no control over the films production or distribution.
While the TRO was officially dissolved two weeks ago, the case itself was never dismisseduntil now, it seems. If all goes according to plan, the paperwork to close this case could be filed shortly after a final agreement is signed.
So, is this the final chapter in the long, ugly fallout from the Hulk Hogan sex tape scandal? Bubba the Love Sponge is playing it cool for nowbut with a settlement nearly locked in, the curtain may finally be closing on this legal drama.
Do you think the film should have been blocked, or was Bubba right to push forward under fair use? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
