Family Disputes Sale of George Michael's Guitar
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A disagreement has erupted over an auction of George Michael memorabilia that took place on Thursday. The sale included a valuable guitar that the late singer gave to his personal assistant, Siobhan Bailey, who worked for him for two decades. Siobhan died in 2010, and her estranged husband Ian Belcher inherited her possessions. However, her brother Gerard Bailey disputes the auction, claiming that Siobhan would have objected to her personal items being sold publicly.
A Cherished Gift Becomes Controversial
The guitar at the center of the dispute is the instrument George Michael played in his famous 1987 music video for Faith. Siobhan's brother says the singer gave it to his sister because he valued her greatly and trusted her completely. Gerard Bailey argues that Siobhan had begun preparing a will before her death that would have left the items to her nieces and nephews instead. Since she died before completing it, the items passed legally to Belcher, though her family believes this violated her wishes.
Privacy and Integrity in Question
The Bailey family contends that the auction exploits Siobhan's memory and breaches her privacy. Gerard Bailey wrote to the auction house objecting to the use of his sister's name in the sale, calling it dishonourable and unethical. He requested either that the auction not proceed or that it be conducted under Belcher's name instead of Siobhan's. The auction house and Belcher have declined to comment on the matter.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Siobhan's family believes the auction goes against her wishes, even though Belcher legally owns the items?
- Siobhan worked for George Michael for twenty years. What does this suggest about their professional relationship?
- The guitar became famous because of the Faith music video. How might this affect its value at auction?
- Gerard Bailey claims his sister had started writing a will. Why does this matter to the family's position?
- If you were in Belcher's position, how would you handle the decision to sell or keep these items?
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