Family row over George Michael items up for auction - including Faith guitar
A family dispute has emerged over the auction of George Michael's personal memorabilia, including his iconic 'Faith' guitar. The items are being sold by the estranged husband of Michael's late assistant, Siobhan Bailey, despite objections from her brother who claims she would have opposed the sale.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal complexities of estate management and the ethical concerns surrounding the commercialization of personal items belonging to deceased public figures.
Image source, Michael Putland/Getty Images Image caption, George Michael gave items including his Faith guitar to his assistant Siobhan Bailey
A family row has broken out over an auction of George Michael memorabilia taking place on Thursday.
The guitar played by the singer-songwriter in the Faith music video is one of several items being auctioned by Sworders from the collection of Siobhan Bailey, Michael's long-time personal assistant.
Siobhan died in 2014 and the items are being sold by her estranged husband Ian Belcher, who inherited them after her death.
Gerard Bailey, Siobhan's brother, told the BBC she "would be horrified at the prospect of the auction being held in her name and that her personal, cherished possessions are being sold off to the highest bidder". Both Sworders and Belcher declined to comment.
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