Former Gawker Editor Finds Sobriety After Hulk Hogan Sex Tape Scandal

A.J. Daulerio launched The Small Bow podcast and community to help others struggling with addiction and recovery

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A.J. Daulerio, the former Gawker editor who published the sex tape of Hulk Hogan, found himself in the midst of a major legal battle that ultimately led to Gawker's bankruptcy. During this tumultuous time, Daulerio's drinking and drug use escalated until he checked into rehab and got sober 10 years ago. Now, Daulerio has launched The Small Bow, a podcast and community dedicated to the ongoing struggle of addiction and recovery, where he aims to provide the support he wished he had during his own darkest moments.

Why it matters

The Hulk Hogan sex tape scandal and subsequent lawsuit against Gawker highlighted the ethical challenges of the clickbait journalism era, as well as the personal toll it can take on those involved. Daulerio's journey from that public downfall to finding sobriety and creating a supportive community for others struggling with addiction provides an inspiring example of how one can overcome adversity and use their experiences to help others.

The details

In 2012, Daulerio, then the editor of Gawker, published a sex tape featuring professional wrestler Hulk Hogan. This led to a high-profile lawsuit that resulted in Gawker being sued for $140 million and ultimately going bankrupt. During this time, Daulerio's drinking and drug use escalated, until he checked into rehab 10 years ago and got sober. Since then, he has launched The Small Bow, a podcast and community that provides support and a "shared language" for those who have been through public and private struggles.

  • In March 2012, Daulerio published the Hulk Hogan sex tape on Gawker.
  • In 2014, Hogan successfully sued Gawker for $140 million, leading to the company's bankruptcy.
  • Around 90-100 days after getting sober, Daulerio sat in the courtroom during the Hogan trial.
  • 10 years ago, Daulerio checked into rehab and got sober for good.
  • The Small Bow podcast launched in 2019.

The players

A.J. Daulerio

The former editor of Gawker who published the Hulk Hogan sex tape, leading to a high-profile lawsuit that bankrupted the company. Daulerio later got sober and launched The Small Bow podcast and community to support others struggling with addiction and recovery.

Terry Gene Bollea (Hulk Hogan)

The professional wrestler whose sex tape was published by Gawker, leading him to successfully sue the company for $140 million.

Peter Thiel

The billionaire who quietly bankrolled Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against Gawker.

Jenn Sterger

A sports media personality who Daulerio had previously burned when he was at Deadspin, and who later became involved in Daulerio's life after the Hogan trial ended.

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What they’re saying

“I feel useful because of everything that happened with Gawker and Hulk Hogan. That's kind of the spirit of the show, ultimately. I wanted to talk to people the way I needed to be talked to at the time when I was going through that hard stuff.”

— A.J. Daulerio (Newsweek)

“I can make a choice to make this day a little bit better. If not for me, I can make it for someone else. I can call someone on the phone who I know is struggling. That's how I live my life now.”

— A.J. Daulerio (Newsweek)

What’s next

Daulerio plans to continue growing The Small Bow podcast and community, providing a supportive space for those struggling with addiction and recovery.

The takeaway

Daulerio's journey from the public downfall of the Hulk Hogan sex tape scandal to finding sobriety and creating a supportive community for others in recovery serves as an inspiring example of how one can overcome adversity and use their experiences to help others in need.