Martha Hart sues WWE
2010-06-23 11:51
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Hartford, Connecticut - Martha Hart, widow of the late professional wrestler Owen Hart, has filed a lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), for whom Hart worked until his death in 1999. Hart died in an in-ring accident at a WWE live event.
A wrongful death suit was settled between WWE and the Hart family in 2000.
The new lawsuit seeks to stop WWE from using Hart’s name and likeness in marketing and products.
"In the eleven years since Owen’s tragic and avoidable death, I have worked tirelessly to disassociate Owen’s name and likeness from anything related to WWE in order to protect our children from any reminder of the circumstances surrounding their father’s death, and to avoid any misplaced perception that I endorse WWE," Martha Hart said in a statement according to PRNewswire.
"Unfortunately, even though WWE, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon were and are well aware of my wishes and desire to shield my children from WWE and its activities, I was shocked to learn earlier this year that they have been using Owen’s name and likeness in videos, websites, television programs and print materials. Given this callous, insensitive and irresponsible behaviour, one must question the moral character of Vince and Linda McMahon and the manner in which they conduct their business."
The lawsuit further states: "The WWE’s wrongful use of Owen’s name and likeness, over Martha’s continuing objection to any association with defendants and in the absence of any legal right of use, creates the wrongful impression that Martha and the Estate now support, approve or condone the video (which they do not)."
The Harts are no strangers to legal battles with WWE. Owen’s brother Bret "Hitman" Hart recently returned to WWE programming after a 12 year hiatus. Hart is known for an infamous real-world personal feud with WWE owner Vince McMahon that started in 1997. In that time Hart has openly criticised WWE on numerous issues, until earlier this year when finally reconciliation of sorts seemed to have occurred.