Who Is Heather Clem? The Untold Life of Bubba the Love Sponge’s Ex-Wife

Have you ever heard the name Heather Clem and wondered, “Wait, wasn’t she the woman in that Hulk Hogan tape?” or “Wasn’t she married to Bubba the Love Sponge?” If yes, you’re not alone. Heather’s name made headlines years ago. But there’s much more to her story than just one moment in the spotlight.

She used to be a model, a fitness coach, and yes — the ex-wife of a famous (and very loud) radio personality. But who is she today? Where did she come from? And what really happened in her life? In this article, we’ll walk through her full story — from her quiet early life to her shocking time in the news and what her life looks like now.

Let’s start from the beginning.

Heather Clem Quick Bio

Who Is Heather Clem?

Heather Clem is an American woman who became well-known mostly because of her marriage — and later, her divorce — from radio host Bubba the Love Sponge. But her life didn’t begin in the spotlight.

Her full name is Heather Dawn Cole, and before everything became public, she was just a woman trying to build a simple life. Heather became most famous after a scandal involving Hulk Hogan in 2012, but she had already been living a very active life behind the scenes.

She is now living quietly, working as a fitness coach, and choosing peace over media attention. But the road to this calm life was not easy.

Heather Clem’s Early Life and Background

Heather Clem was born on July 1, 1974, in West Virginia, USA. That means she turned 51 years old in 2025. She grew up in a small, quiet town — far from the flashy lights of fame. Not much is known about her parents or family, and that’s because she has always been very private about her early life.

After high school, she went on to study at the University of Arizona, where she completed her college education. From a young age, Heather was interested in modeling and fitness. She loved being active and had dreams of working in the beauty and health world.

Her early life wasn’t filled with headlines. It was simple and quiet — just like most of us.

How Heather Clem Met Bubba the Love Sponge

In the mid-2000s, Heather’s life changed when she met Todd Alan Clem, also known as Bubba the Love Sponge. He was already a loud, bold, and popular radio host, known for his strong opinions and wild show topics.

Heather and Bubba began dating around 2006. At first, things were casual. Heather even said in past interviews that she was seeing other people at the same time. But slowly, their bond grew stronger. They started spending more time together, and their relationship became more serious.

People were surprised by their match. Bubba was known for his wild energy, while Heather seemed more quiet and calm. But sometimes, opposites attract.

Heather Clem and Bubba’s Marriage Story

In January 2007, Heather and Bubba tied the knot. Their wedding was held at the First Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was a big moment for them, and Heather officially stepped into the spotlight as the wife of a famous radio host.

Being Bubba’s wife wasn’t always easy. His show and public life often brought attention, gossip, and drama. Heather appeared with him at public events and was sometimes mentioned on his show. People started to recognize her name — not because of her own work, but because of who she was married to.

Still, the two seemed to enjoy their time together, at least in the beginning. Heather was also raising her daughter Julia Champ, who she had from a previous relationship.

Why Did Heather Clem and Bubba Divorce?

After a few years, cracks started to show in their marriage. The couple separated quietly in March 2011 and officially divorced in September 2011.

The reasons behind the divorce were never fully shared, but many people believe it had to do with personal issues and trust problems. Bubba was a bold personality, and there were rumors that he and Heather had an “open” relationship, which caused strain.

Heather didn’t speak much publicly about the divorce. But when the court papers came out, it was revealed she received a one-time payment of $20,000 and $1,150 per month in support. They had no children together, so the separation was simpler legally — but not emotionally.

The Hulk Hogan Scandal

Just when things seemed to calm down, everything exploded in 2012. A private sex tape of Heather Clem and famous wrestler Hulk Hogan was leaked online by a media company called Gawker.

The truth? The video had been filmed years earlier — in 2006, before Heather even got married. Hulk Hogan was going through a tough time in his marriage, and he visited Bubba, who was a close friend at the time.

Here’s the shocking part: Heather later said that Bubba was the one who asked her to sleep with Hulk, just to cheer him up. She said she agreed, thinking it was private. But the biggest shock of all? Bubba secretly recorded the whole thing.

Neither Heather nor Hulk knew they were being filmed. And when the video finally leaked online years later, it caused a huge mess.

How the Scandal Changed Heather Clem’s Life

The tape went viral. The media couldn’t stop talking about it. Everyone was watching and judging — even though Heather didn’t say a word publicly.

Hulk Hogan was angry. He sued Gawker for invading his privacy and ended up winning $140 million in damages. He also sued Bubba, who quietly settled the case for just $5,000.

Heather, caught in the middle, was left embarrassed and heartbroken. She said she never wanted any of it to go public and that she trusted Bubba when he said the tape would be destroyed.

This was the lowest point in Heather Clem’s life. She didn’t want fame or money — she just wanted the media storm to stop.

Heather Clem’s Career as a Model and Fitness Coach

Before the scandal took over her name, Heather Clem had already started working on her own career. She wasn’t just known as Bubba’s wife. She had her own dreams too.

Heather worked as a model in her younger years. She appeared in several magazines and smaller shoots. Modeling was something she enjoyed, and it helped her express confidence. She even acted in a few small films, like Crafting with Connie and The Merman Prince. These projects didn’t make her famous, but they showed her creative side.

Later, Heather turned her full focus to something she truly loved: fitness. She worked hard to become a certified fitness instructor, and she trained with places like AdvoCare Institute and CrossFit Level 1 (CF-L1). She also earned special titles like USAW L1 & L2 coach and became an Aerial Yoga Instructor. Helping people stay strong and healthy became her new path.

Where Is Heather Clem Now?

So, where is Heather Clem in 2026?

Today, Heather lives a calm and quiet life in Gibsonton, Florida. She is no longer seen in the media, and she doesn’t do interviews. She has chosen a peaceful life over attention — and that choice has brought her happiness.

Some people believe she may be in a relationship with a man named Mike Gagel, but Heather hasn’t said anything about it publicly. She now keeps her personal life very private. After everything she went through, it’s easy to understand why.

Now, her days are filled with fitness, family, and healing. No more drama. No more headlines. Just a life she’s building on her own terms.

Heather Clem’s Daughter and Family Life

Heather may have gone through a lot in public, but her most important role is being a mom. She has a daughter named Julia Champ from a previous relationship. Heather doesn’t talk much about her daughter in public, but it’s clear that family means everything to her.

When the scandal happened, Heather tried to protect her daughter from the media storm. She didn’t want Julia to grow up in the shadow of something that wasn’t her fault. Today, Heather continues to keep her family life out of the spotlight.

It’s clear that her main focus now is taking care of her loved ones and helping others through her fitness work.

Heather Clem on Instagram and Social Media

Yes, Heather Clem is on Instagram — but don’t expect loud or flashy posts. Her handle is @heatherdcole, and she mostly shares things about wellness, motivation, and positive energy.

She doesn’t post very often, and when she does, it’s usually something uplifting. You won’t find drama or gossip on her page. That’s not her world anymore.

Her social media shows the real Heather — someone who has been through a lot but chooses to focus on growth, health, and peace.

Heather Clem’s Net Worth and Life Today

Many people are still curious: How much is Heather Clem worth in 2026?

Her estimated net worth is around $500,000. It comes from a mix of things:

• Her modeling and acting work

• Her fitness coaching career

• Her divorce settlement with Bubba the Love Sponge

She’s not a millionaire, and she doesn’t try to be. Heather now lives a simple and comfortable life. No fancy headlines. No fame-chasing. Just a woman living with purpose, strength, and quiet confidence.

What We Can Learn from Heather Clem’s Story

Heather Clem’s life teaches us something important. You don’t always get to choose what happens to you — but you can choose how you move forward.

She was pulled into a public scandal that she didn’t ask for. Her name was everywhere for a while. But instead of letting that define her, she stepped away, focused on herself, and slowly built a better life.

Today, Heather is not just “Bubba the Love Sponge’s ex-wife” or “the woman in the tape.” She is a fitness coach, a mother, and a woman who found her own strength — quietly, but powerfully.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Heather Clem?

She’s someone who went through pain in public but healed in private. She’s a woman who once stood in the middle of a storm but now walks in peace. From modeling to fitness, from scandal to strength — Heather Clem’s journey is a reminder that we can all start over.

No matter how loud the world once was, peace is still possible.

(FAQs)

Did Heather Clem really sleep with Hulk Hogan?

Yes. In 2006, Heather Clem had sex with Hulk Hogan — reportedly at her husband Bubba the Love Sponge’s request. The act was secretly recorded without her or Hogan knowing, and the tape leaked in 2012, causing a massive scandal.

Is Heather Clem active on Instagram today?

Yes. Heather Clem is on Instagram under the handle @heatherdcole. She keeps a low profile and mostly shares fitness and wellness content — no drama, no attention-seeking.

How old is Heather Clem in 2026?

Heather Clem was born on July 1, 1974, which makes her 51 years old in 2026. Her birthday is rarely celebrated publicly, but fans still search for it.

What is Heather Clem’s net worth today?

As of 2026, Heather Clem’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. She earned this through modeling, fitness coaching, and her divorce settlement.

What is Heather Clem doing now in 2026?

Heather now lives a quiet life in Gibsonton, Florida. She works as a fitness coach, stays away from the spotlight, and focuses on health, peace, and family.

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