The life-sized bronze statue of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell has been vandalized outside the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle.
According to King 5, the statue was covered with white paint or a similar substance on Thursday; Museum officials say the damage is being assessed and that the statue will be restored.
The tribute – which was sculpted by artist Nick Marras and unveiled in the fall of 2018 – showcases the rocker in one of his iconic poses, complete with his signature boots, dog tag, layers and long hair.
"My children and I are heartbroken to learn of the vandalization of Chris's statue at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle,” responded Vicky Cornell on social media. “The statue is not only a work of 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.
"In the face of this hate and destruction, we are thankful once again to the fans who stood up to support him and showed such immense love. It lifted our hearts to hear that fans brought supplies and attempted to clean up the heartbreaking vandalism. The statue will be restored. Hate will not win."
Cornell took his own life at the age of 52 in a Detroit hotel room in the early hours of May 18, 2017 following a Soundgarden show in the city.
See also:
Pearl Jam classic covered by daughter of Chris Cornell for Lollapalooza 2020 livestream
Chris Cornell estate streams unreleased cover of Guns N’ Roses classic
Soundgarden reunite for Record Store Day EP with Brandi Carlile
Soundgarden countersue Chris Cornell widow over tribute concert
Search Soundgarden at hennemusic
