Mat Hayward/Getty ImagesChris Cornell‘s widow Vicky Cornell has shared a statement calling out a “false narrative” surrounding the vandalizing of the memorial statue of her late husband.
The statue, which stands outside the Museum of Pop Culture in the grunge icon’s hometown of Seattle, was defaced with what appeared to be white paint last week.
In an Instagram post, Vicky says that she wants to “clarify the misinformation that continues to be spread online about supposed rioters and ‘save the children’ protestors being responsible for this senseless [act] based on a image being circulated showing writing on the sidewalk.”
“A few days prior to the vandalism, someone wrote in sidewalk chalk ‘Save the Children’ in front of the statue,” Vicky writes. “It rained the night before. Consequently, by Thursday AM when the vandalism occurred, much of the chalk writing was gone, leaving only the words ‘Children.’
“Sadly, the same accounts involved in spreading this false narrative are the very ones who previously ‘liked’ posts wishing/encouraging that someone would deface Chris’ statue,” she continues.
“It is heartbreaking to think that anyone would wish for such a senseless act. It is equally upsetting to now see these same people falsely blaming others. We would appreciate it if those accounts would stop spreading misinformation and fomenting discord, as it tarnishes Chris’ legacy, masks the truth, and hurts those who Chris loved as well as Chris’ true fans.”
The statue was unveiled October 2018 during a ceremony attended by Vicky, Chris’ three children Lily, Toni and Christopher, and his Soundgarden band mates Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd.
By Josh Johnson
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
