Martha Hart has shared her views on how the new Netflix docuseries, “Mr. McMahon,” approached the narrative of Owen Hart’s untimely passing. Despite the docuseries delving into Hart’s demise in its fourth episode, Martha asserted that its creators didn’t reach out to her for her angle on the events.
Martha shared a press release featuring her commentary on the issue and urged readers to understand her judgement of the program.
The below contains Martha Hart’s official statement in reaction to the portrayal of details in Netflix’s “Mr. McMahon” documentary.
“ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MARTHA HART REGARDING THE INACCURACIES OF THE NETFLIX MR. MCMAHON DOCUMENTARY
Dr. J. Martha Hart, PhD, is making her voice heard today following the airing of Netflix’s docuseries on Mr. McMahon.
The Netflix series, centered around Vince McMahon, downplays the death of my husband, Owen Hart, treating it as a mere mishap. In addition, the documentary allows the former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) owner and CEO, Vince McMahon, to absolve himself of responsibility for Owen’s departure, stating that his demise “wasn’t our fault.” This is a long way off from the reality of events.
The actual version of events is this: On May 23rd, 1999, WWE, in an attempt to save on expenses and for the sake of a ‘quick release’ effect, contrary to the explicit advice of a rigging expert, employed inexperienced rigging technicians for a stunt where Owen was to descend from the venue ceiling during a wrestling match. The riggers opted for inappropriate equipment, which led to Owen’s fall and subsequent death. This was an instance of gross negligence.
The docuseries also allows Vince McMahon to assert that “the technology they used was flawed” and highlights that WWE managed to settle its lawsuit against the producer of the harness used in the stunt. However, the program fails to touch upon the fact that the equipment in use was not designed for a rappelling stunt. Instead, a harness intended for dragging stuntmen behind cars during film shoots was used, coupled with a sailboat clip designed to loose under just six pounds of weight. If qualified riggers, following appropriate procedures, had been employed and the right equipment used, Owen would still be alive today.
The heartlessness of Vince McMahon’s decision to continue the wrestling event even after Owen’s demise is accentuated in the documentary. Yet, it misses out on revealing WWE’s audacity to sue me, then a new widow caring for two young children, for contract violation as a pushback to my wrongful death lawsuit, and their persistent selling of Owen Hart merchandise for years without compensating Owen’s estate.
In all accuracy, none of those involved with the production of this documentary attempted to approach me for my thoughts or to achieve an authentic outlook. I still blame WWE and its former management for Owen’s death. I will not allow Vince McMahon or anyone else to alter that narrative.
Rather, my attention remains fixated on commemorating Owen’s memory via the charitable endeavors of the Owen Hart Foundation and through the AEW Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
For insights into The Owen Hart Foundation, its scholarship programs, home ownership aid projects and other initiatives, please navigate to owenhartfoundation.org.”