Brooke Hogan Says Late Dad Hulk Hogan Sleeping with Her Friend Changed Their Relationship Forever

Brooke Hogan Reflects on Her Relationship with Late Father Hulk Hogan Amid Allegations of Infidelity

Brooke Hogan has recently opened up about the complexities of her relationship with her father, wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, particularly in light of an alleged affair that had lasting repercussions on their family’s dynamic. Hulk Hogan, who passed away in July 2025 at the age of 71 due to a heart attack, had a complicated legacy, and Brooke’s reflections underscore the struggles that accompanied the family’s public persona.

In a candid interview with Us Weekly, the 38-year-old musician shared how an alleged affair involving her father profoundly altered their relationship. The affair, reportedly with her friend Christiane Plante, occurred during a tumultuous time before Hulk’s divorce from Brooke’s mother, Linda Hogan. Brooke mentioned that while she was able to forgive her father, there was a shift in their connection that lingered long after the incident.

Plante publicly confirmed her relationship with Hulk in 2008, claiming the affair took place while the wrestler and Linda were in the process of ending their marriage. The couple finalised their split in 2009, after 26 years together, which had a significant impact on their family structure. Brooke noted that the divorce, along with the surrounding allegations, caused a considerable strain within their family, complicating their already tumultuous relationships.

“Our entire family structure changed,” Brooke explained, reflecting on the aftermath of the divorce. “Things became increasingly complicated until eventually, the relationship I had always believed could survive anything couldn’t survive what was happening around us anymore.” This sentiment highlights the challenges many families face when navigating the fallout from a high-profile separation, especially one as public as that of Hulk and Linda Hogan.

Despite acknowledging the “tremendous love” within her family, Brooke did not shy away from discussing the dysfunction that also existed. She characterised their family life as riddled with “fear, resentment, enormous betrayal, money, fame, image management, and decades of unresolved hurt.” These factors, she asserted, contributed significantly to the eventual breakdown of the familial bonds that once seemed unbreakable.

Throughout their relationship, Brooke maintained that her father was “an excellent father” during much of her life. However, she also recognised that it was possible to express love while simultaneously addressing the pain caused by unresolved issues. “I can love my father profoundly and still tell the truth about where he hurt me,” she stated. This acknowledgment reflects a maturity in Brooke’s understanding of family complexities, and her ability to hold both positive and negative experiences in tandem.

In her Instagram tribute to Hulk following his passing, Brooke discussed her feelings of disconnect and the emotional toll that their disagreements took on her. She remarked that the last two years of her father’s life necessitated a step back from their relationship to safeguard her own emotional wellbeing. “During the last two years, I had to step away to protect my heart,” she noted, displaying the emotional intricacies that often accompany familial relationships, particularly when compounded by public scrutiny.

Despite the estrangement, Brooke expressed enduring love for her father, stating, “Our family has been through a lot, but no matter what we’ve been through, I love my dad.” This sentiment resonates with many who have experienced familial difficulties, emphasising that love can coexist with pain and conflict.

As the Hogan family continues to navigate the complexities of their legacy, Brooke Hogan’s reflections on her relationship with her late father offer an honest glimpse into the emotional landscape of a family marked by both love and turmoil. Her journey speaks to the broader themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the intricate dynamics that shape our relationships, particularly in the face of adversity.