Late Thursday night (August 20), Seattle station KIRO 7 News posted a photo of the statue of the SOUNDGARDEN frontman after it was painted white.

 

Earlier today, Chris Cornell's widow Vicky released a statement about the statue's defacing via the late singer's social media. She wrote: "My children and I are heartbroken to learn of the vandalization of Chris's statue at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. 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," she continued. "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."

 

The life-size statue, commissioned and donated to the museum by Vicky Cornell, stands outside MoPOP's south entrance facing Fifth Avenue North. The statue sculpted by artist Nick Marras showcases the rock legend in one of his iconic poses with his signature boots, dog tag, layers and long locks.

 

SOUNDGARDEN's surviving members — Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd - attended the October 2018 unveiling ceremony with Vicky, Chris's three children and other longtime friends and family members from the Seattle community.