In a story with already almost too much backstory, PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel confirmed to Andrew Ross Sorkin of the New York Times today that he had been funding the recent lawsuit brought by wrestler Hulk Hogan against Gawker which resulted in a $140m award against the publication. Here’s why…

Jack Shafer writes at Politico that Thiel has “done the impossible” in getting people to sympathize with Gawker. He writes:

To add a little moral clarity to Thiel’s legal maneuvering, ask yourself what sort of public response there would be if he had secretly financed a lawsuit against the New York Times instead of Gawker. The First Amendment lobby would be up in arms, and petitions denouncing Thiel would be in wide circulation, accusing him of trying to neuter the press. But because Gawker—vile little Gawker—is the target of Thiel’s offensive, few observers seem to be upset.

***

MEDIA

Oh f*ck right off…