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Tech Ghoul Peter Thiel Defanged By Gawker Media Legal Deal; Free Press Saved

Keith Girard
Peter Thiel, the tech mogul who posed the biggest threat to a free press since the 1950s Red Scare, has officially been defanged by lawyers handling Gawker Media‘s bankruptcy case. He won’t be able to sink his teeth into Gawker or pull the same stunt he used to bring the Web site down. In a sweeping legal settlement, Thiel and his investment firm, Thiel Capital, agreed to absolve Gawker.com’s future owner of all legal liability as well as writers who have articles on the site....
MEDIA

Gawker, a Pioneer of Internet Snark, Closing In Wake of Thiel Vendetta

Keith Girard
Gawker, the Web site that pioneered Internet snark and grew into a major online player, is ceasing operations next week, a victim of a campaign of legal terrorism waged by gay Silicon Valley mogul Peter Thiel. It marks the beginning of a chilling chapter in online media. Thiel, who made his money launching PayPal and being an early investor in Facebook, waged a secret campaign against the site to punish owner and publisher Nick Denton. ...
POLITICS

Gawker, Slammed by Hulk Hogan Jury Verdict, Files for Bankruptcy

Keith Girard
Gawker Media, owned by snark pioneer Nick Denton, filed for bankruptcy protection today (June 10) in the opening round of what likely will be a multi-pronged effort to prevent former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan from collecting a $140 million jury award against the company. The legal move, under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code, will allow Gawker and its associated media properties to continue operating....
MEDIA

Hulk Hogan Gets a Big Payday From Gawker and We’re All Poorer For It

David Fagin
Is Hogan A Hero? In the late ’70s, Hulk Hogan was fearless every Saturday on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Who knew he was really a shy, sensitive guy? No wonder he sued when Gawker.com posted his sex tape online. Even more remarkable, who knew a jury would give him $140 million? Fast forward about 30 or so years and the once mythical God of Thunder can now be seen blubbering with regularity on national television. His skin must be paper thin. ...
CELEBRITIESCULTURE

Gawker, Noted for Outing Celebs, Could See User Private Info Outed in Court

Keith Girard
Gawker’s legal battle against a number of former lowly interns could turn into a major embarrassment if a court forces it to reveal usernames, passwords, online names, email addresses, telephone numbers and even bank account info as part of the legal action. So far, the info remains private. Federal Judge Alison Nathan ruled earlier this week in a preliminary order that Gawker had the right to delete the information from court filings....
MEDIA