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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 David S. on December 27, 2011 at 12:56pm: I let my guard down, and did something very stupid, so now I feel like I have to put my full faith in some manager at a giant credit card company, who is going to say that if there is some certificate of authenticity, the item is therefore legit. I am becoming worried. When I asked about the item, and the salesman said, "we have our reputation to uphold," I believed him, primarily because, of course, I thought being such a public spotlight operation, they would not deal in items which are obviously fake.

Comment by DB on December 27, 2011 at 12:57pm: hmm., it would seem to me that if you don't take delivery of the item, the item is in turned returned to the "seller", regardless of reason. As such, you cannot be charged for an item that you do not own if rules serve me correctly. You would then dispute the charge to the cc company but don't deal with the first layer customer service. Find the "executive customer service" which is usually attached to the CC's issuing bank (in most cases) and discuss the matter there regarding the item, misgivings and refusal to accept delivery and thus it ought to have been returned to the seller by the transportation agent. Just have proof of rejecting the delivery.

Comment by David S. on December 27, 2011 at 1:00pm: I had no need to refuse delivery. The item would not fit in my car, and I was reluctant to pay for shipping, and have to worry about insurance and/or damage. They said it could be held at their store for a week, and I was going to make plans to return and pick it up with a bigger vehicle, but found all the details about the prior Grammy drum head on this site.

Comment by DB on December 27, 2011 at 1:02pm: the other issue is since you were present when you bought it... there are credit card companies, that will & have, issue a dispute but let's say you took delivery... the seller may claim (and I have first knowledge of this) that you were present and examined the piece and took delivery therefore they do not have to refund you 1 penny.

Comment by David S. on December 27, 2011 at 1:12pm: It sounds like I may actually have to go pick up the item and take a picture of it, to be in a better position? If it is as simple as them saying that it was "buyer beware," and therefore I was stupid to trust their reputation, then perhaps I'm really screwed here. If they can legally sell me something 100% fake, and it's my fault that it took me a couple of days to realize that, I'm the one to blame.

Unfortunately I don't play by those rules, and whether it's legal action, involving hiring an attorney, or directing amounts of bad publicity their way, I am willing to do what it takes at this point to get my money back. They can keep the piece, but if they insist on sticking to their "policy," it is within my rights to trash their business.

Comment by CJCollector on December 27, 2011 at 1:14pm: David, unless I missed something here, what is the item in question?

Comment by DB on December 27, 2011 at 1:17pm: if you didn't pick the item up then simply call them and cancel the sale, plain & simple!

Unless there are penalty terms on the item like going out of business all sales are final... you don't have to give any reason other than "changed" my mind.

seems the problem you are having is whether or not it's authentic to bein with and therein lies the problem. If you pick it up you own it and may be stuck.

Comment by Steve Zarelli on December 27, 2011 at 1:26pm: You may not technically own it yet if they still have possession. I would call to cancel the sale. They might give you a hard time, but I'm not sure they can force you to take it. If you do take possession, you might put yourself in a tougher spot.

Comment by David S. on December 27, 2011 at 1:35pm: Christopher, the item in question is a framed piece, of a drum head, with a giant grammy symbol, with numerous autographs, many among those on a drum head piece someone asked about here earlier this year.