Martha Hart Responds to Bret Hart Comments Calling Her ‘Obtuse’ and ‘Square-Headed’ Over Refusing to Allow Owen Hart to Enter the WWE Hall of Fame

– As previously reported, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart recently spoke in an interview with the In This Corner Podcast about wanting to get his late brother, Owen Hart, into the WWE Hall of Fame. The Calgary Herald had a report on the news, and Owen’s widow, Martha Hart, responded to comments by Bret Hart that were directed at her.

Previously, Bret Hart stated, “[Martha] has done more to erase my brother Owen’s memory than she ever did to remember him.” He added, “I think it really bothers me that the fans that loved Owen so much didn’t get a chance to remember him. You do these kind of things for people who are here, left to remember them.” Hart said also called Martha “obtuse” and “square-headed.”

Martha Hart later responded to her brother-in-law’s comments to the Herald, calling them “reckless, irresponsible and clearly untrue.” She stated, “You know, Bret has been making similar comments over the years, but just recently I’ve noticed his comments have become ruder and he’s more brazen.”

She continued, “But I am firm in my belief that the WWE was responsible for Owen’s death. As a result, I cannot and will not support any efforts by the WWE to profit from Owen’s memory.”

She went on to state that her family’s focus was on the Owen Hart Foundation, which she says has raised more than $4 million for scholarships, low-income housing programs and a memorial fund at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. The full statement is below…

The suggestion by Bret Hart that I am “erasing” the memory of my late husband, Owen Hart, is reckless, irresponsible, and clearly untrue.

Bret’s comments are rooted in the fact that I have steadfastly refused to work with the WWE to exploit Owen’s image for commercial gain. Owen was an incredible entertainer and I know that his many fans around the world enjoyed his wrestling career immensely. I encourage them to continue to do so. But I am firm in my belief that the WWE was responsible for Owen’s death. As a result, I cannot and will not support any efforts by the WWE to profit from Owen’s memory.

Instead, I, my son Oje and daughter Athena have worked tirelessly to honor Owen through the good works of The Owen Hart Foundation, which has exceeded $4 million in gift giving and contributions toward scholarships, home owner bursaries, and other special projects that have greatly improved the lives of so many in Canada and around the world. We have always believed that this is the most fitting public tribute to a man of profound integrity; a wonderful human being who just happened to wrestle. I know that Owen would be very proud of the tremendous accomplishments the Foundation has achieved in his name.

Bret Hart’s comments are disrespectful and cruel. It is disappointing that so many in the media have chosen to report them without seeking my perspective. Whatever Bret may believe, the fact is that, far from “erasing” Owen’s memory, I have devoted the last 20 years to celebrating his life in a very public way. I can think of very few people who have been remembered so glowingly by their spouse.

For more information about The Owen Hart Foundation, including the Scholarship Fund, the Owen Hart Foundation Housing Program, and other special projects, visit www.owenhartfoundation.org.