Jeffrey Meldrum Explains His Involvement In the Discovery Channel Yeti Documentary

Whatever happened to the Russian trekkers, we'll never know. Discovery Channel's Russian Yeti: The Killer Lives documentary paints a haunting picture of what may have happened to them though. Were they the victims of a Bigfoot attack, or was it something else that took their lives? Dr. Jeff Meldrum thinks he may have been "misrepresented" in the documentary, however. He posted this statement on Facebook yesterday:

To head of some of the queries still rolling in about my appearance on the Russian Yeti show (Discovery), let me reiterate -- I do not endorse the yeti explanation for the demise of the trekkers in the Urals, regardless of any impression conveyed by the editing of the documentary. I have not seen the program myself, but based on the comments conveyed to me, it is safe to conclude that my interview was largely misused and misrepresented. That is disappointingly unprofessional behavior by the producers of this documentary. It is one of the potential pitfalls of participating in this form of media. However, as I have said previously, such disappointments are the exception rather than the rule in my experience. I have been afforded many many productive experiences and opportunities through my involvement in most of these productions.

Earlier this month, shortly after the airing of The Killer Lives, Meldrum, after receiving inquiries from Facebook fans, attempted to clear the air about his involvement in the special documentary:

"In order to head off more comments such as the fore-going, let me clarify my involvement in the recent show Russian Yeti: The Killer Lives (Discovery). First let me remind everyone that I don't have cable TV and do not follow these shows, or even see them unless the producers send me a DVD. I was asked for an interview about the relation of the Russian "yeti" and the sasquatch. Off-camera it was mentioned that there was a curious incident that occurred in the Urals back in the 50's and a theory that a "yeti" might be involved (Note the Russians use the term "yeti" in a generic sense of an upright hairy hominoid, In this case it is not equivalent to the Himalayan yeti. It often conflates the more human-like neanderthaloid form with the larger more ape-like sasquatch-like form), I was casually shown a picture on a smartphone of a shadowy figure emerging from the treeline, which was allegedly on one of the victims' cameras. I wasn't given an opportunity to closely examine or evaluate it. It wasn't until the recent press release that I was made aware of the unfortunate title of the show or the particular emphasis on this incident in the Urals. I expressed my concerns about this when asked to provide comments fro the media in connection with the promotional interviews. One was with Guy Edwards

Bigfoot Lunch Club

(note: the transcription of my comments is pretty chopping and rife with misprints, but thanks for a thoughful interview Guy). In the end, one ultimately has minimal influence and no control over the editing and spin of a particular show. The positive opportunities and and potential for lending a grounding influence through most undertakings far outweigh the occasional disappointments. So if you think I have somehow compromised my authenticity, integrity or the trust of believers --- get over it -- and stay tuned for upcoming programs." - Don Jeffrey Meldrum