 |
Wrestling Star Owen Hart picture
|
Hart's spouse sued the WWE and the McMahons, who were accused of using the name and images of the late wrestler without their expressed permission, even when asked to cease and desist.
According to court documents, the McMahons used images of Hart in numerous commercials and publicity projects for the WWE.
The case turned bitter when allegations surfaced that Mary Hart sued because she disagreed with the campaign of Linda McMahon, then a candidate for the Senate.
"Martha Hart does not have some exclusive right to the story of her husband; it's just that simple," the defendants said in response to the civil action.
A portion of the WWE lawsuit read: "Since Owen’s death, the WWE and McMahons have sought every available opportunity to further exploit Owen’s personality for their own commercial benefit. Their use of Owen’s name and likeness draws attention to the WWE's ongoing violent and highly questionable theatrical activities that caused Owen’s death."
Owen Hart, 33 at the time of the accident, is the younger brother of wrestling legend, Bret Hart. Allegedly, he and Vince McMahon had a bitter falling out, which made the lawsuit very bitter.
In 1999, the younger Hart was repelling from the rafters at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo. when the bungee apparatus malfunctioned, sending him crashing down 50-feet onto the turnbuckle. He landed hard, broke his neck and was pronounced dead a short time later.
Following his death, a large number of fellow wrestlers paid a tearful tribute to the late Hart.
While the terms of the WWE lawsuit settlement are confidential, some sites are reporting part of the agreement involves use of Owen's name and likeness with royalties to his estate.