Forbes and The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Hulk Hogan had billionaire Peter Thiel as a secret financial backer in his legal fight against Gawker.

According to The New York Times, Thiel, a co-founder of Paypal and one of the earliest investors in Facebook, privately agreed to help pay for Hogan’s legal expenses. The details are protected by a confidentiality agreement. Nick Denton, Gawker’s founder, told The New York Times he believed that Hogan’s case was being supported by a mysterious third party.

CLICK HERE for coverage by The New York Times.

CLICK HERE for coverage by Forbes.

Download our FREE App! Dirt Sheet for iPhone, Android and iPad.