Wikipedia

Martha Hart

Martha Joan Hart(néePatterson;born October 31, 1966) is a Canadianphilanthropistandresearcherwho is the widow of professional wrestlerOwen Hart.[1]After her husband's death in an accident atOver the Edge,Hart sued theWorld Wrestling Federation(now, WWE). She later wrote a bestselling book about her husband's life and founded a charity in his name. She has subsequently been involved in several legal cases involving her husband's image and has worked as aphilanthropistand researcher.

Martha Hart
Hart at the International Attachment Conference in New York City, 2019
Born
Martha Joan Patterson

(1966-10-31)October 31, 1966(age 58)
Calgary,Alberta,Canada
EducationPsychologyandsociology
Alma materUniversity of Calgary(B.A.)
University of Cambridge(M.A., PhD)
Occupation(s)Philanthropist, researcher
Spouse
​
​
(m.1989;died1999)​
Children2
FamilyHart

Personal life

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Hart was born Martha Joan Patterson on October 31, 1966, the youngest of eleven children. Her mother, Joan, battled breast cancer before Martha and her sister Virginia were born; her father left her mother when Martha was young. She completed two degrees at the University of Calgary in Psychology (with distinction) and Sociology (1st-class honours) before moving to England to complete a master's degree and a PhD in Social and Development Psychology at Cambridge University. She has since worked as a university researcher in the area of pediatrics.

In 1982, she met her husbandOwen Hartat the age of 15, while they were both still in high school. She attended aStampede Wrestlingevent with a friend, and met Owen after recognizing him as one of the wrestlers who attended her school for a wrestling practice. They married on July 1, 1989, and had two children together: Oje Edward Hart and Athena Christie Hart.[2][3]Owendiedwhile performing a stunt on May 23, 1999, at theWorld Wrestling Federation(WWF)'sOver the Edgepay-per-view. As a result of the charitable contributions achieved through the Owen Hart Foundation, Martha was named Individual Philanthropist of the Year in 2004 by the AFP. She was Calgary's 2011 Champions of Learning.[citation needed]Hart was named the 2017 Goodwill Ambassador for theMonaco International Film Festival.[4]Hart has had a long-standing relationship with this non-profit international special interest film festival and is also theMonaco International Film Festival's Vice President of the Angel Film Awards.[5]In her spare time, she writes a popular movie blog, titled, "Movie Meanings – Main Messages" about how to find the meaning of life through the movies we watch.[6]

Professional career

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Research

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Hart is a researcher at the University of Calgary/Alberta Children's Hospital. Her present research includes co-creating and pilot testing the Attachment and Child Health (ATTACH) Intervention, which explores links between parental reflective function (RF) and parent/child attachment led byNicole Letourneau.[7]Hart presented findings on the program at a number International Attachment Related Conferences in New York, London, Miami, Prague; and in Vancouver.[8][9]The ATTACH Program is funded by Harvard University's Centre for the Developing Child as one of their Frontiers of Innovation projects.[10]In 2019, Hart and Nicole Letourneau launched their ATTACH™ Program online.[11]

Hart completed two degrees at the University of Calgary before moving to England to join the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge where she completed her master's degree and Ph.D. programs in Social & Developmental Psychology under supervisor Claire Hughes.[12][13]Hart worked as a researcher at the University of Cambridge with Ruth Gaunt for several years researching the division of labor in the family and parents’ child care choices before joining the team at the University of Calgary.

Hart's past research also consisted of working on a University of Cambridge-based longitudinal project investigating the early origins of children's problem behaviour/self-esteem within a diverse sample, and how social correlates predicts such characteristics, while focusing on children's friendship/sibling/teacher relationships, as well as mother's parenting style and mental states (e.g. self-esteem, depression) and the impact on children's social (problem) behaviour and mental states (e.g. self-esteem) and prosocial behaviour in single/non-single mother households.[14][15]

She has published various peer-reviewed papers, including a top cited article in the 2020–2021 Infant Mental Health Journal on the effect of parental reflective function[16]and has co-edited Development and Adaptation: Seminal Papers on theDynamic-Maturational Model of Attachment and Adaptation,published by Waterside Press, and she has also co-authored with another book in publication titled Parenting and Child Development.[17][18]

Hart was trained to administer the PDI at Yale University and the AAI by Howard Steele[19]and Miriam Steele[20]at the New School University New York, as well as Erik Hesse and Mary Main at Berkeley University.[21]Hart is also trained by Howard Steele in RF (PDI), and in Reflective Family Play by Dianne Philip – at The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre Toronto.[22]In addition, Hart trained with Alan Sroufe,[23]and Elizabeth Carlson at the University of Minnesota, and Marinus van IJzendoorn at Cambridge University in the ABCD model of attachment, William Whelan[24]in the MAC attachment measure at University of Virginia, as well asPatricia Crittendenin the DMM;[25]she is a certified reliable coder in various attachment measures, RF measures, as well as a number of other parent/child interaction measures. She is also trained and certified in Suicide Prevention.

Hart is also a past recipient of the University of Calgary's Eyes High Post-Doctoral Award.[citation needed]

Owen Hart Foundation

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Owen Hart Foundation logo

In December 2000,[26]she announced the opening of the Owen Hart Foundation, aCalgary-based charity that provides university/college scholarships for children in need, as well as housing for low income families. The Owen Hart Foundation also supports a number of other worthwhile charities in the Calgary community and provides "scholarships, housing and various forms of assistance to at-risk communities around the world, including doing food drives, backpack giveaways and Christmas projects".[27]

Every year, as a tribute to Owen Hart, Martha hosts a high-profile fundraising event for the Owen Hart Foundation. The 2000–2003 charity events were in support of YouVille Women's Residence, a shelter for abused women. Starting in 2004, the charity events have included a guest star; guest stars have included,Bob Newhart,2004;Paul Anka,2005;Neil Sedaka,2006;Bill Cosby,2007;Howie Mandel,2008;Jerry Seinfeld,2009–10th Anniversary;Ringo Starrand his All Starr Band, 2010;Russell Brand,2011;Robin Williams(with special guestDavid Steinberg), 2012;Steve MartinandMartin Short,2013;Dane Cook,2014–15th Anniversary.Seth Meyersperformed on October 2 for the 2015 event.[28]Elvis Costelloperformed on December 10, 2016, for the 17th anniversary of the OHF. In 2017, for Canada's 150th birthday, The Owen Hart Foundation wanted to honor a Canadian artist and therefore featuredSarah McLachlanon December 1, 2017, to mark their 18th anniversary. Famed actor and SNL superstarAlec Baldwinperformed for the OHF's 19th anniversary annual event on November 30, 2018. In 2020, comedianJerry Seinfeldmade his return again as the headliner to commemorate the OHF's 20th Anniversary. In 2021, OHF hosted a sold-out performance featuring the Canadian Comedian,Russell Peters.

Hart has stated that she started the Owen Hart Foundation to create a meaningful legacy for Owen and because she knew he would be happy that she was helping people in his name, especially in the area of education which was very important to both of them.[citation needed]

In September 2021, the Owen Hart Foundation announced a partnership withAll Elite Wrestling(AEW) to honour Owen Hart's legacy. The partnership will entail AEW hosting an annual tournament called the "Owen Hart Cup"along with the production of Owen Hart-branded merchandise include action figures, apparel, posters, and an appearance in a console video game being developed by AEW.[27]AtDouble or Nothingin May 2022, Martha Hart appeared at the event to congratulate the Owen Hart Cup's inaugural male and female winners,Adam ColeandDr. Britt Baker;[29]Martha and her children previously were shown on the May 11, 2022 episode ofAEW Dynamite,but did not have a live television appearance.[30]

Book

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In 2002, Martha Hart started writing a book titledBroken Harts: The Life and Death of Owen Hartthat was released in 2004, which is about their life together from when they met as teens and the life they created for their two children. Her book was a #1 Best Seller in Canada, and is now published in several countries including the United States and the United Kingdom, with all of her proceeds allocated to charity.[citation needed]

Lawsuits and disputes

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Owen Hart's death

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Three weeks after Owen's death, Hart launched a wrongful death lawsuit against the WWF by the help of aviation lawyer Gary C. Robb; she included her children andOwen's parentson the lawsuit, which was settled out of court for approximately $18 million on November 2, 2000.[31][32]She set aside millions of the settlement to establish the Owen Hart Foundation.[33]She has managed the foundation since 1999.[1]She gave $2 million to Owen Hart's parents.[34]After the lawsuit, Martha separated herself from the majority of the Hart family.[34]She criticized those family members who worked against her with the WWF.[34]In the end she remained friends with onlyKeith,WayneandBret Hartout of Owen's ten living siblings.[35]

Diana Hart'sUnder the Mat

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Main article:Under the Mat

There is real-life tension between Martha and her sister-in-lawDiana Hart-Smith.[1]Martha sued Diana and claims that Diana's book,Under the Mat: Inside Wrestling's Greatest Family,is both slanderous and libelous, and had it removed from markets everywhere; Martha was issued a public apology by the publishers, who were also required to give an undisclosed amount as a donation to the Owen Hart Foundation as stated in the settlement agreement.[36]

Hart family DVD

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On June 22, 2010, Martha filed another lawsuit against Vince and Linda McMahon, this time for wrongfully using Owen's name and likeness in numerous DVDs under the WWE name, as well as for deceptive business practices, and not paying royalty payments to Owen's estate and his children.[citation needed]On April 4, 2012, Judge Underhill agreed that Martha's claims against the WWE should go forward regarding the use of family/personal photos without her permission – copyright infringement, as well as breach of contract for not paying royalties from money made (and kept) by the WWE from merchandise sold with Owen's likeness since his death in 1999. In April 2013, the lawsuit was settled.[37]

Nancy Grace

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On April 9, 2014, Nancy Grace of CNN/HLN ran a show on the death ofThe Ultimate Warrior;the segment focused on wrestlers who had died of drug abuse. During the discussion, a list of wrestlers who died 'young' scrolled up in the background, which included Owen Hart's name. Martha Hart wrote to CNN/HLN about the implication, which resulted in Nancy Grace delivering an on-air retraction/apology on April 14, 2014, about the mistake relating specifically to Owen Hart.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^abcGreg Oliver (November 20, 2001)."Martha Hart sues Diana over book".SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012.Retrieved2007-06-18.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. ^"CNN - Wrestler Owen Hart killed in fall during stunt - May 24, 1999".edition.cnn.May 24, 1999.RetrievedFebruary 14,2020.
  3. ^"WWF WRESTLER FALLS TO HIS DEATH IN ERRANT TV STUNT".chicagotribune.May 24, 1999.RetrievedFebruary 14,2020.
  4. ^"Angel Film Awards 2017 and 2018 Goodwill Ambassador DR. MARTHA HART".Monacofilmfest. Archived fromthe originalon 2017-11-12.Retrieved2017-11-12.
  5. ^"Monaco International Film Festival General Info".RetrievedApr 6,2020.
  6. ^"Interview with Dr. Martha Hart: Wrestling Observer Radio [FREE]".Rvwab.Retrieved2021-07-13.
  7. ^"Martha Hart | Child Studies".
  8. ^"International Attachment Conference 2019 – Vancouver, Canada".Retrieved2019-03-05.
  9. ^"International Attachment Conference 2019 Program PDF"(PDF).International Attachment Conference.RetrievedJuly 22,2019.
  10. ^"Current Frontiers of Innovation Portfolio Projects".Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.Retrieved2019-03-05.
  11. ^"ATTACH Program Website".RetrievedJuly 22,2019.
  12. ^Administrator (2013-08-14)."Social and Cognitive Development and the Family".cfr.cam.ac.uk.Retrieved2019-03-18.
  13. ^White, Naomi; Hughes, Claire (2017).Why siblings matter: The role of brother and sister relationships in development and well-being.Routledge.ISBN9781315630489.
  14. ^Ensor, Rosie; Roman, Gabriela; Hart, Martha J.; Hughes, Claire (2012). "Mothers' Depressive Symptoms and Low Mother–Toddler Mutuality Both Predict Children's Maladjustment".Infant and Child Development.21(1): 52–66.doi:10.1002/icd.762.ISSN1522-7219.
  15. ^Hughes, Claire; Roman, Gabriela; Hart, Martha J.; Ensor, Rosie (2013). "Does maternal depression predict young children's executive function? – a 4-year longitudinal study".Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.54(2): 169–177.doi:10.1111/jcpp.12014.ISSN1469-7610.PMID23171379.
  16. ^Letourneau, Nicole; Anis, Lubna; Ntanda, Henry; Novick, Jason; Steele, Miriam; Steele, Howard; Hart, Martha (2020-06-13)."Attachment & Child Health (ATTACH) pilot trials: Effect of parental reflective function intervention for families affected by toxic stress".Infant Mental Health Journal.41(4): 445–462.doi:10.1002/imhj.21833.ISSN0163-9641.PMID32533796.S2CID219621637.
  17. ^Parenting and Child Development Book.ASIN1909976784.
  18. ^"Martha J. Hart's research".ResearchGate.
  19. ^"Howard Steele – Professor and Co-Chair of Psychology – Public Engagement".newschool.edu.Retrieved2019-03-12.
  20. ^"Miriam Steele – Professor of Psychology and Co-Director of Center for Attachment – Public Engagement".newschool.edu.Retrieved2019-03-12.
  21. ^"TRAINING | Attachment Training".Retrieved2019-07-22.
  22. ^"Department of Psychiatry".psychiatry.utoronto.ca.Retrieved2019-03-12.
  23. ^"about us | Attachment Training".Retrieved2019-03-12.
  24. ^"About".Virginia Child & Family Attachment Center.2016-10-21.Retrieved2019-03-12.
  25. ^"Courses & calendar: developmental sequence of assessments of attachment & self-protective strategy".patcrittenden.Retrieved2019-03-12.
  26. ^"About The Owen Hart Foundation".
  27. ^abCurrie, Joseph (September 20, 2021)."AEW partners with Owen Hart's family to celebrate his legacy".Sports Illustrated.RetrievedSeptember 24,2021.
  28. ^"The Owen Hart Foundation".
  29. ^Van Boom, Daniel (May 29, 2022)."AEW Double or Nothing 2022: Results, CM Punk Wins, Full Recap and Analysis".CNET.RetrievedMay 30,2022.
  30. ^Rose, Bryan (May 11, 2022)."Dr. Martha Hart & family attend AEW Dynamite".Figure Four Online.RetrievedMay 30,2022.
  31. ^"British company pays WWE $9M to settle Owen Hart case".bizjournals.Retrieved2022-10-12.
  32. ^AP-Reuters (November 9, 2000)."Legal victory bittersweet: Martha Hart".Slam! Wrestling. Archived from the original on 2003-04-25.Retrieved2007-04-07.{{cite web}}:|author=has generic name (help)CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  33. ^"Hart family feud With WWF suit settled, dead wrestler's widow lashes out at in-laws".Archived from the original on January 30, 2018.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  34. ^abcEric Francis (November 8, 2000)."Hart family feud: With WWF suit settled, dead wrestler's widow lashes out at in-laws".Calgary Sun. Archived from the original on January 30, 2018.Retrieved2007-06-18.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  35. ^Walton, Dawn (November 9, 2000)."Wrestler widow, WWF settle".Archived fromthe originalon 2018-01-30 – via theglobeandmail.
  36. ^"Diana Hart, youngest daughter of Calgary's iconic wrestling clan, finds romance in the ring with Cauliflower Heart trilogy".The Vancouver Sun.RetrievedDecember 21,2015.
  37. ^"WWE Lawsuit over Owen Hart's image gets settled".The Inquisitr.

Further reading

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