We've Been Sued by Christopher Morales

Last Wednesday I was directed to an article on Autograph Alert that, beyond saying the usual things they say about this site and me, seemingly "outed" one of our members whose comments they didn't like. At the end of the article, they wrote:

"By the time you read this story,
Cyrkin will have the first of a major rude awakening,
one he has invited and is well deserved."

The next morning I received an email from a court services firm asking for an appointment to serve me with legal papers. I arranged to be served this Wednesday. And I had a copy of the suit sent to me.

I have been sued by Christopher Morales, the autograph authenticator I have called, "the forger's best friend." Morales is joining me to his lawsuit against Roger Epperson alleging:

libel
slander
business disparagement
tortuous interference with prospective business relations, and
civil conspiracy.

I don't look forward to this or any lawsuit. Who does? But I feel it's my duty, and all of ours, to do everything we can to protect collectors, fans and the autograph hobby against forgeries. So, like Roger has, I'll defend the lawsuit vigorously—and I will not stop speaking out.

I stand behind everything I've ever said or published about Christopher Morales, and the forgery industry that uses him. I would be surprised if even one-percent of the autographs he has authenticated are genuine. But this is Morales's opportunity to prove that I am wrong; that most of the autographs he authenticates ARE genuine—and that we are "out to get him."

The truth is on our side.

Sincerely,

Steve Cyrkin
Editor & Publisher

10 members like this

Comment by Garry King on March 21, 2011 at 3:15pm: I wish you well Steve. For the record i would just like to say that CHRISTOPHER MORALES is a FRAUD, and agree that every item that i have seen that he has authenticated was a fake, and I would be more than happy to stand in court and say it again. Not only that, but I would also be happy to prove that items I have seen are fake as well, which I know damn well he could not!

Please feel free to pass on my own address details which you have to Mr. Morales or his Lawyer

See you in court Steve!

Comment by Drew Totten on March 21, 2011 at 3:16pm: Give 'em hell, Steve!

Comment by Rick Farmiloe on March 21, 2011 at 3:31pm: Good Luck, Steve!! We all stand behind you!! YOUR help allowed me to recoup $1800 on my Beatles autographs. You'll win for sure!

-Rick Farmiloe

Comment by david baas on March 21, 2011 at 3:37pm: Thank You Steve, without you, many of us hoodwinked by this charlatan would never have known. I honestly can't believe he has the nerve after e-bay just debunked him. Strength and God speed my friend.

/dave

Comment by George Papania on March 21, 2011 at 3:38pm: Maybe his lawyer will have a COA instead of a License, lol

Comment by Bill Panagopulos on March 21, 2011 at 4:11pm

Comment by Bill Panagopulos just now

Delete Comment

Suffice it to say, Steve, that I have never seen a Christopher Morales-approved autograph I would ever allow into any of my auctions (save those in the JSA sting - and I generally don't sell modern sports. I called him out about six times during the marathon Net 54 (?) web postings a couple of years ago - offered to put him up in a hotel in Greenwich, pay his airfare, and face his peers to defend his methods (per the offer he had stated on his website), but never heard a peep from him. His inactions speak for themselves.

But in these litigious times when you can sue someone for looking at you wrong, you have to be careful. Witness poor Frank Caiazzo. So, everyone will spend a lot of money, you'll be vindicated, and...the lawyers will win. And you certainly know I have first-hand knowledge of that.

Best of luck - this Greek is behind you all the way (!?!?!?!)

Comment by CJCollector on March 21, 2011 at 4:13pm: The photograph below is from the present (March 2011) Coach's Corner auction listing. It is a autographed baseball bat containing the alleged signatures of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig "authenticated" by Chris Morales. With four days to go in the March 2011 auction, the bidding is up to a whopping $192.00. I think that says it all. I will have more to write later after I have calmed down after hearing of this lawsuit against Steve.

Comment by Josef R on March 21, 2011 at 4:24pm: I wish you the best, man - and my message to Christoper Morales: we f.ck you from Czech Republic too, bastard

Comment by CJCollector on March 21, 2011 at 4:27pm: I hope this case gets national attention. I will make sure that Michael O'Keefe of the Daily News gets wind of this. Mr. Morales will get the attention that he seems to desire. My disdain for both Morales and Ted Taylor is beyond comprehension.

Comment by Joe McAdams on March 21, 2011 at 4:29pm: REAL Forensic Document Examiners (ie. FBI trained, state law enforcement lab training, etc.) examine DOCUMENTS generally based on extensive handwriting exemplars; THEY do not look at a single autograph and say "yep- it's good." I've seen them testify in court and list their qualifications, what they did to prep for THIS case, etc. in order to be recognized as an expert FOR THAT CASE.

had to laugh when "Pawn Stars" had a "forensic document examiner" come in to "authenticate" an autograph.

Comment