Davidson and the Hawks stated that Perry engaged in conduct that is "unacceptable and in violation of policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments". With the Hawks not addressing the issue when they said Perry's absence was an organizational decision, social media ran wild with rumours. The most prevalent rumour involved Connor Bedard's mom, Melanie.
During his press conference, Davidson addressed this rumour stating that no other players or their families were involved, despite the speculation. He called the rumours "wildly inaccurate" and "frankly, disgusting."
With how viral the rumours went on social media, it would appear that Melanie Bedard has attempted to distance herself from all of the noise and turmoil that the rumours have created for her, her family and Bedard himself. Her previously active Instagram account has been deactivated.
It was obviously something that she had to do to escape not only the noise of the rumours, but also any hateful or harassing comments. While the Hawks addressed the rumours during Davidson's press conference, they should have addressed them as soon as they started to appear on social media. By not addressing them sooner, the Hawks failed to protect their new star and his family, who have been put through hell the past week.
POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 30 | 982 ANSWERS Connor Bedard's mom being relentlessly harrassed following disgusting Corey Perry rumours What did you make of the rumours involving Corey Perry and Melanie Bedard? | ||
I thought it was true | 177 | 18 % |
I thought it was funny | 126 | 12.8 % |
I thought it was dumb and disrespectful | 488 | 49.7 % |
Never really cared | 191 | 19.5 % |
List of polls |