Pro wrestling fans' responses to the Chris Benoit double murder-suicide

What is it about?

This article did a survey of over 800 pro wrestling fans, and asked them to comment on their response to wrestler Chris Benoit, who committed suicide in 2007 after killing his wife and young son. Benoit was still employed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) at the time, and so reactions to his death were played out in a very public forum. This article discusses that reaction, and how fans have had to contend with demonised images of a man they once adored.

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Why is it important?

Studies have previously looked at the way in which fans have dealt with the death of their favoured celebrities, however this study examines such responses when it is not entirely clear whether mourning practices are even appropriate. When the object of fandom has committed heinous acts, how should fans mourn them? This study asks that question and examines how "appropriate" memorialisation narratives are shaped by the media.