Heather Clem Then and Now: What Really Happened?

You might not hear her name in the news every day, but Heather Clem has a story that made headlines and shocked many. She’s best known as the ex-wife of radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge, but there’s a lot more to her than that. She was once a model, a fitness coach, and even involved in one of the biggest celebrity scandals in history — the leaked Hulk Hogan tape.

But that was a long time ago. Today, Heather Clem lives a much quieter life. She has focused on health, peace, and staying away from drama. So, what really happened? Where did she come from, and where is she now? Let’s walk through her journey — step by step.

Heather Clem Quick Bio

Heather Clem’s Early Life

Heather Clem was born on July 1, 1974, in West Virginia, USA. Her full name is Heather Dawn Cole. She grew up in a quiet, small-town environment, far away from the fame and media that would later surround her.

Not much is known about her parents or family life, but it’s clear she was raised with strong values. People who knew her described her as kind, active, and focused. After finishing high school, she went on to attend the University of Arizona, where she completed her college education.

Growing up, Heather had a big interest in health and fitness. She also had dreams of modeling and being in front of the camera. These early interests would later shape her career path.

Heather’s Career Before the Fame

Before her name was everywhere, Heather Clem was working on building a simple but strong career. She started as a model, appearing in a few magazines and local promotions. She also tried her hand at acting, taking small roles in short films like Crafting with Connie and The Merman Prince for El Presidente Emperor Warlord!

But her biggest passion was always fitness. She began working as a health coach and joined the AdvoCare Institute. Later, she became a CrossFit Level 1 (CF-L1) coach and earned other certifications like USAW L1 & L2 and Aerial Yoga Instructor. She loved helping people feel better, stronger, and healthier.

By the time she met Bubba, she was already focused on improving lives through movement and mindset. Fitness wasn’t just her job — it became her lifestyle.

How Heather Clem Met Bubba the Love Sponge

In the mid-2000s, Heather’s life took a sharp turn. She met Todd Alan Clem, a well-known and often controversial radio host better known as Bubba the Love Sponge. He was famous for his bold radio style and wild personality.

Heather and Bubba started dating around 2006. At first, things were casual. In later interviews, Heather even said she was seeing other people at the same time. But soon, their relationship got serious.

Despite Bubba’s public image, Heather fell for him. The two seemed to understand each other. And in January 2007, they got married in a ceremony at the First Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was a big step into a much more public life for Heather Clem.

Life as Bubba’s Wife

Being married to a radio star meant Heather was suddenly in the spotlight. She appeared with Bubba at events, on social media, and sometimes even in the background of his radio work. Listeners of his show got to know her by name.

The couple had a busy life. But behind the scenes, their marriage wasn’t perfect. They never had children together, though Heather did have a daughter, Julia Champ, from a past relationship. Bubba also had a son named Tyler from a previous relationship.

Their life together may have looked glamorous at times, but it was about to face serious problems — ones that would change everything.

The Hulk Hogan Scandal That Shocked Everyone

In 2012, Heather Clem’s name hit the news in a way no one expected. A private sex tape of her and wrestling star Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) was leaked online by a blog called Gawker.

But the story started much earlier — in 2006, before Heather and Bubba were even married. Hulk Hogan was going through a tough time in his marriage, and Bubba (his close friend at the time) invited him over. What happened next became one of the biggest celebrity scandals of the decade.

Heather later said that Bubba told her to sleep with Hulk Hogan — as a favor, to “cheer him up.” It was shocking. Even more surprising, Bubba secretly recorded the whole thing without her or Hogan knowing.

Years later, the tape appeared online. No one could believe it. The video showed Heather and Hogan in bed, and it sparked outrage, lawsuits, and endless gossip.

The Lawsuit That Made Headlines

After the video leaked, Hulk Hogan sued Gawker Media for invasion of privacy. He originally asked for $100 million in damages. The court ended up awarding him $140 million, forcing Gawker to shut down.

He also sued Bubba the Love Sponge, who had filmed the encounter. That case was settled privately for just $5,000, but the damage had already been done.

As for Heather Clem — she was caught in the middle. She said she was humiliated and upset, and had no idea the recording would be used this way. Many believe she was manipulated into the situation by Bubba.

The Divorce and What Happened After

After the scandal, things between Heather Clem and Bubba the Love Sponge fell apart. Their marriage, already under stress, couldn’t survive the public attention and personal problems. In March 2011, they decided to separate. By September 15, 2011, they were officially divorced.

The divorce was quiet compared to the scandal. Heather received a one-time payment of $20,000 and $1,150 per month in support. She also got a few personal items and left the marriage behind. They had no children together, which made the legal part easier.

But emotionally, it was not easy. Heather had become a public name for all the wrong reasons. She wanted to move on and rebuild her life, far away from the spotlight.

Heather Clem’s Fitness Career

After all the drama, Heather Clem made a smart choice — she focused on health. Fitness had always been a passion of hers, and now it became her path to healing. She started working as a CrossFit Level 1 trainer (CF-L1) and earned more fitness certifications.

She also became a USAW Level 1 and 2 coach, and later trained in Aerial Yoga. These roles allowed her to help others improve their health while also helping herself stay grounded and focused.

Heather now shares tips, workouts, and wellness advice with others. Her fitness work gave her a new purpose — one that had nothing to do with scandals or famous names.

Heather Clem’s Life Today

So, where is Heather Clem now in 2025? She lives a quiet life in Gibsonton, Florida. She no longer attends public events or gives interviews. She has chosen a calm, private life over fame and drama.

Some reports suggest she may be in a relationship with a man named Mike Gagel, but she has not shared anything publicly. She seems happy staying out of the spotlight and focusing on her family, her daughter Julia Champ, and her work as a fitness coach.

Her days now are likely filled with workouts, fresh meals, and peaceful routines — very different from the chaos of her past.

Is Heather Clem on Social Media?

Yes, she is. You can find her on Instagram under the name @heatherdcole. But don’t expect loud posts or flashy pictures. Her account is quiet and focused on wellness, motivation, and small life updates.

Heather doesn’t post often, and she rarely talks about her past. She uses social media in a healthy way — to stay connected without letting it control her life. That alone says a lot about how far she’s come.

Heather Clem’s Net Worth in 2025

Today, Heather Clem has an estimated net worth of $500,000. She earned this through:

• Her fitness coaching career

• A few modeling and film projects

• Her divorce settlement from Bubba the Love Sponge

While she may not be a millionaire, she lives a stable and comfortable life. She doesn’t chase luxury or the spotlight. Her focus is simple: health, peace, and family.

Heather Clem’s life is a lesson in bouncing back. She went from being part of one of the biggest scandals in celebrity history to building a life full of peace and purpose. That’s not easy — and yet she did it quietly, without trying to get attention or sympathy.

She shows that even when the world sees you in one way, you can still take control and rewrite your story. You don’t have to stay stuck in the past. With strength, self-care, and time, you can build a better future.

Final Thoughts

Heather Clem may have started as the ex-wife of Bubba the Love Sponge, or the woman in the Hulk Hogan scandal, but she didn’t let those things define her forever. Today, she’s a health coach, a mother, and a woman who found strength after public pain.

Her story reminds us that life isn’t about how loud your name is — it’s about how you choose to move forward. Whether you knew her name years ago or just found out about her now, Heather Clem’s journey is one worth remembering.

(FAQs)

Did Heather Clem really sleep with Hulk Hogan on camera?

Yes, in 2006, Heather Clem was secretly filmed having sex with Hulk Hogan — and her husband Bubba the Love Sponge reportedly arranged it. The tape leaked in 2012, causing a $140 million lawsuit.

What is Heather Clem doing now in 2025?

Heather now works as a certified CrossFit and aerial yoga instructor. After all the scandals, she left the spotlight and fully focused on fitness and mental wellness.

Is Heather Clem on Instagram?

Yes, you can find her on Instagram at @heatherdcole — but she keeps things low-key. She mostly posts about fitness and stays far away from drama or fame.

How old is Heather Clem and when is her birthday?

Heather Clem was born on July 1, 1974, which makes her 51 years old in 2025. Her birthday has become a quiet milestone, unlike her very public past.

Who was Heather Clem’s husband, and how tall is she?

She was married to radio host Bubba the Love Sponge from 2007 to 2011. Heather is 5 feet 8 inches tall (173 cm) and once worked as a model before switching to fitness full-time.