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 John Strickland on October 6, 2011 at 5:30pm: Hope all goes well Mr Cyrkin we appreciate all that you do.

Comment by Brandon Mysinger on October 6, 2011 at 6:44pm: I can't wait to hear or read his deposition. Can you imagine how juvenile and foolish it will be when he is made to answer for the coaches corner goods?

Comment by DB on October 7, 2011 at 8:10am: In a society of laws even the judicial system is there for those like Morales, right or wrong. Coach's Corner isn't the only place but barring blind justice it goes something like this; "but I have all these credentials including a 3 credit course and what do they have....?" So can you elaborate on them? "I Object as it is irrelevant"! Who knows how far this frivolous action will go but if determined to be frivoulous there are lots of additional sanctions available. The only possible way to come out on the wrong end is to try and represent yourself or not show-up.

Comment by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on October 7, 2011 at 8:53pm: @Chris:

I don't understand it myself. It's a civil suit, so no one will be found guilty, but it is the most foolish lawsuit I've seen since one of Chris Morales's biggest clients, Jerry Gladstone of American Royal Arts, sued Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo. Gladstone placed himself in the FBI's cross-hairs and hopefully will go down taking his associates with him.

I think they're all dead men walking.

Comment by Mark J Gross on October 14, 2011 at 12:34pm: When you have the truth on your side, and this magazine that helps show us the real deal on things , everything else will fall into place for you, no worries.

Comment by Steve Zarelli on December 27, 2011 at 12:37pm: If it is a recent purchase, and you have immediate doubts, isn’t there a standard return policy?

Comment by David S. on December 27, 2011 at 12:41pm: Their policy is No Refunds, and 7-Day exchanges as store's discretion. Neither option suits me, as I was apparently defrauded.

Comment by Steve Zarelli on December 27, 2011 at 12:45pm: Your credit card company may have something to say about that. I think most decent credit cards have some sort of “buyer protection” component that will help you.

I would go after them nicely at first because they can certainly make an exception to the “policy” if they so choose. If they won’t cooperate, then go through the credit card.

Comment by CJCollector on December 27, 2011 at 12:51pm: There are always options. Never let "those stores" bully or intimidate you.

Comment by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on December 27, 2011 at 12:54pm: Hi David,

Welcome to Autograph Magazine Live! I wish you came here under better circumstances.

Don't assume the shop knows the autographs on your GRAMMYS drumhead are forgeries. They may not know, and unless you can show a pattern of knowingly selling forgeries, there may not be any fraud at all. They could have just made a mistake.

But the first thing I'd do is ask them for a large, clear picture of it. That way we can tell if the autographs are likely forgeries. The forgeries have been ridiculously bad on the ones I've seen.

Then if they look bad, you can show them the other one on this site, and of course, they can come here to discuss it. Hopefully they'll give you a refund without you having to protest through your credit card company.