Former WWE referee Rita Chatterton, who alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Vince McMahon in 1986, recently received an apology from WWE legend Bret Hart. Chatterton’s claim had initially faced skepticism, even from Hart, but the wrestling icon has now expressed regret for not believing her.
In a conversation with Slate, Hart revealed that he encountered Chatterton at a convention and took the opportunity to apologize sincerely for his initial disbelief in her accusations made in 1992.
Hart acknowledged his earlier skepticism, stating, “I just didn’t believe it. I figured Vince had too much at stake to ever do something like that.” He went on to say, “I apologized from the bottom of my heart, and I said, ‘I believe that what happened to you, happened to you. And I apologize. I was wrong.'”
This apology from Hart comes as a significant acknowledgment of the validity of Chatterton’s claims and reflects a shift in perspective regarding the allegations against Vince McMahon. The former WWE CEO reportedly reached a multi-million dollar settlement with Chatterton but has never publicly admitted any wrongdoing.
In the same interview, Hart also expressed a notable change in his opinion of Vince McMahon. Despite having a history of disagreements with McMahon, Hart had previously respected him. However, given the revelations and allegations surrounding McMahon, Hart now states, “I have absolutely zero respect for him. I do not think I could ever shake his hand if he extended it. Too creepy.”
This development sheds light on the complexities of personal relationships within the wrestling industry and how individuals grapple with changing perceptions over time. The apology from Bret Hart indicates a growing recognition of the importance of believing survivors and addressing past skepticism in the context of serious allegations.
