Vicky Cornell has taken to social media to set the record straight about reports regarding the vandalised statue of her late husband and Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, saying that the narrative regarding the involvement of “Save the Children” protesters is false.
“I know the news of the vandalism was as heartbreaking to many of you as it was to our family,” Vicky began in a post to Instagram.
“So I wanted to share this with you and 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 an image being circulated showing writing on the sidewalk.”
She continued, “A few days prior to the vandalism, someone wrote in sidewalk chalk ‘Save the Children’ in front of the statue. 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.
She continued, “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 memorial was commissioned by his family as a donation to the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. Created by artist Nick Marra and unveiled in October 2018, the statue depicts Chris Cornell playing a Gibson guitar.
Following news of the vandalism last Friday, the museum told The Seattle Times that the statue had been covered in white paint, adding that they were “deeply pained by this act targeting the memory of a beloved artist in Seattle and around the world.”
At the time of the incident, Vicky shared that she was “heartbroken” but urged fans not to blame the statue’s vandalisation to the protests that have been occurring throughout the city.
“My children and I were heartbroken to learn of the vandalisation of Chris’s statue at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. The statue is not only art, but a tribute to Chris, his incomparable musical legacy and everything that he stood for. It represents Chris, who is beloved not only in Seattle, but worldwide,” she wrote alongside a photo of the her late husband.
