By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker Court Updates

July 10 Update: The latest from the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker legal battle is that a formal investigation has been launched into the tape that contained sexual acts between Hogan and Heather Clem, the ex-wife of radio host Bubba the Love Sponge.

The Hillsborough County (Fla.) State Attorney's Office said Friday that Tampa police are investigating whether a crime was committed as it relates to the tape. [ Tampa Bay Times Report HERE ]

Also, the FBI said in a court filing on Friday that it will "re-process" the video, which runs roughly 30 minutes in length. Gawker released a 90-second version online, which set in motion the current legal battle with Hogan claiming a privacy violation.

Gawker believes evidence contained in the tape is central to their defense, which prompted a Florida court to delay the start of trial from Monday (July 6) until October.

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July 6 Update: The Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker trial has been on the backburner for at least several months.

Both sides are scheduled to come together again in October in Florida court to discuss when to start the trial, which may not be until 2016.

Gawker desired a delay so they could obtain more information from the FBI on the nature of the tape that shows Hogan engaged in sexual acts with Heather Clem, the ex-wife of radio host Bubba the Love Sponge.

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July 2 Update: The Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker trial will not begin Monday in Florida.

A state appellate court ruled Thursday that the trial could not begin on July 6, as it violates a certain timing law. The court said that law "prescribes a minimum interval of fifty days between service of the last pleading and commencement of the trial."

This favors Gawker, which is dealing with a separate issue trying to get the FBI to submit evidence related to the tape that shows Hogan engaged in sexual acts with Heather Clem, the ex-wife of radio host Bubba the Love Sponge. Gawker believes this is central to their defense.

It's unclear when the trial will begin. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the appellate court's ruling did not suggest a new trial date that would fall within the legal timeframe. [ LINK: Report HERE ]

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July 1 Report

The build-up to the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker trial next Monday, July 6 included the following rulings Wednesday in Florida court:

- The jurors will be allowed to view portions of the tape containing sexual acts between Hulk Hogan and Heather Clem, the ex-wife of Bubba the Love Sponge. However, the video will be shielded from public and media view in the courtroom.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the main video is 30 minutes and was mailed to Gawker in 2012. Gawker then cut the video down to clips they posted online.

Gawker contends that the jury should be able to view the entire tape, which they believe is at the center of their defense against Hogan's $100 million lawsuit.

- Another determination is that Hogan will be allowed to wear a trademark bandana in court. However, Hogan must go by his real name of Terry Bollea.

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