I kinda wonder if the Hensons just resented Steve for taking their father's place in the eyes of the public. Maybe not in terms of genius, (tho' imo Steve's a fine performer), I'm thinking more in terms of time. There's a whole generation for whom Steve IS Kermit. And I'm sure that's gotta sting, to see an outsider supplant a beloved father.
Maybe in their eyes, their attacks on Steve had some validity. Maybe they didn't. We'll most likely never know. But it certainly wasn't pretty. It's like the Real Housewives of Disney.
In comparison, I do appreciate Steve's approach more. Of course, I realize that could all be part of an act; damage control and the like. What else is the guy gonna say? I get that people would take it that way. But still, having said that, personally, I appreciate his restraint.
I fell like, while the smear campaign may have damaged Steve's reputation, it's also backfired on the Hensons' image as well. They may have been heartfelt emotional responses, but they were terrible business decisions, imo. Nobody comes out of these types of situations looking pretty.