Family seeks to stop George Michael memorabilia auction
The auction of 32 lots, including the Faith video guitar, is set for Thursday, but the late assistant’s brother has asked it be halted or renamed
Trust 40Craft 65Hype 45How this was reported ▾
The central claim is attributed to a named body (Siobhan's brother) and a document (a letter), but lacks independent verification.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The article clearly separates fact from opinion, provides specific details, and explains the background and implications of the story.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
The headline is lively but the article's content is proportionate, avoiding sensationalism.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
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Sworders will put 32 lots of George Michael memorabilia under the hammer on Thursday. The catalogue includes the acoustic guitar used in the 1987 Faith video, a Filofax with handwritten notes and several gold and platinum discs awarded to Siobhan Bailey, the singer’s former personal assistant.
Background to the sale
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Siobhan Bailey died in 2014 without leaving a will. Under UK law her estate passed to her husband, Ian Belcher, who inherited the collection. Sworders describes the items as a "remarkable group of memorabilia" but both the auction house and Belcher declined to give further comment.
Family’s objections
Gerard Bailey told the BBC that his sister would have been "horrified" by the auction being presented in her name. He said the sale breaches his sister’s privacy and called the use of her name "disingenuous" and "dishonourable". Bailey wrote to Sworders requesting that the auction be cancelled or, if it proceeds, that it be listed under Belcher’s name rather than Siobhan’s.
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"It would be dishonourable and shameful to profit from her personal possessions,"
Gerard Bailey, brother
Details of the auction items
The guitar, a vintage Gretsch Synchromatic, is expected to sell for between £60,000 and £120,000. A 1988 Faith tour Filofax, which carried Bailey’s notes, had a guide price of up to £600 but attracted a current bid of £1,750. Other lots include a handwritten note from Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, a signed Wham! photograph and an invitation to Ridgeley’s 21st birthday party.
What happens next
The auction will go ahead unless Sworders receives a legal challenge that could delay the sale. Gerard Bailey has not indicated that he will pursue court action, but he said the family will continue to voice opposition. Residents who wish to comment can contact Sworders directly or write to the auction house before the event.
Questions this report answers
+Why is the family objecting to the auction?
Gerard Bailey says his sister would have been horrified by the sale and believes using her name is dishonest. He has asked the auction house to stop the event or list it under the husband’s name, arguing it breaches her privacy.
+What items are being sold and how much might the guitar fetch?
The auction includes 32 lots such as the Faith video guitar, a Filofax with notes, signed photographs and gold discs. The guitar is estimated to bring between £60,000 and £120,000, according to the auction catalogue.
+Does Ian Belcher have the legal right to sell the items?
Because Siobhan Bailey died intestate, her estate passed to her husband Ian Belcher under UK law. The BBC notes there is no suggestion he lacks the right to sell, even though the family disputes the moral aspect.
+When will the auction take place and can the public intervene?
The sale is scheduled for Thursday. Sworders has not commented on the family’s request, and no legal injunction has been filed yet. Members of the public may contact the auction house to express concerns before the event.
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