Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eddy on November 27, 2022 at 3:51pm

Bizarre!  

Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on November 28, 2022 at 7:35am

This has been played out on social media a great deal when it first happened. Many astute collectors believe there is a lot more to the story than what is presented in the "official" story.

• It was supposed to be a Beckett (BAS) witnessed signing.
• When the Beckett witness arrived, he was told by the organizer that McKellen arrived early, signed everything, and had already left.
• When it was revealed the signatures were all fakes, the organizer stuck to his story and claimed it must have been an imposter who did the signing. That is, he was a victim of the scam, too.
• Many inconsistencies and logistical improbabilities have shed some doubt that the organizer was also a "victim."

Regrettably, scams abound in any hobby... especially autographs because the barriers to entry are so low. Anyone with a pen can do it. What is most troubling is that even what used to be relatively safe channels like book signings, art prints and so-called private signings are now a minefield. 

Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on November 28, 2022 at 7:53am

Thanks for the kind words. :-)

Permalink Reply by CJCollector on November 28, 2022 at 3:36pm

I second that, InkInvestor.

Permalink Reply by 0800Autocollect on November 28, 2022 at 7:42am

"When the Beckett witness arrived, he was told by the organizer that McKellen arrived early, signed everything, and had already left."

At which point the Beckett's rep said he could not authenticate anything he did not personally see being signed and left right?

Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on November 28, 2022 at 7:50am

They were stickered and have since been retracted. I am not sure if they used the "Witnessed" labels or they went with the regular labels. 

Permalink Reply by Rich on November 29, 2022 at 1:20pm

Was that individual's employment also retracted? 

Permalink Reply by Eddy on November 28, 2022 at 7:59am

"To be clear, I have never attended paid signings. I do sign for charity and for individuals who submit items directly to me." - Ian McKellen

This statement alone renews my respect for this gentleman.