Update on Martha Hart vs. WWE Lawsuit; Hart Backs Off Claims That Vince & Linda McMahon Never Apologized For Owen's Death

Owen Hart's widow Martha Hart has backed off claims that Vince and Linda McMahon never apologized to her after Owen's death during a WWF PPV event in May 1999.

In a filing on 12/20 in the United States District Court of Connecticut, all parties in the currently ongoing lawsuit between Hart and the Owen Hart Foundation against World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon, all sides requested that Martha's allegations that there was no apology be removed from the lawsuit filing.

Based on the paperwork, attorneys representing the McMahons presented the court with "sworn testimony" dated July 2002 of Hart discussing an apology she received from Vince McMahon during a conversation in which Linda McMahon was also present.

Hart's side has until 1/15 to respond to WWE's most recent statements in the case. The two sides had a settlement negotiation last month but were unable to reach terms.

Hart's lawsuit claims World Wrestling Entertainment violated their original 2000 Settlement Agreement in the wake of Owen Hart's death, that WWE violated the family's privacy with the release of Owen Hart matches and the "Hart & Soul" DVD documentary, that WWE intimates the Owen Hart Foundation endorses their company with the release of Hart's matches and that the rights to Owen's footage reverted back to his estate upon his death.

WWE has responded that their 2000 Settlement Agreement with Hart, ending her wrongful death lawsuit over Owen's passing, sealed all future claims against the company while Owen's WWF performer contract signed over his likeness and rights for WWF (later WWE, obviously) to reproduce for their purposes.

source: pwinsider.com