A guitar used by George Michael in his iconic “Faith” music video sold for more than $240,000 at an auction on October 29. The sale sparked criticism from the family of his late personal assistant, Siobhan Bailey. Her brother, Gerard Bailey, condemned the auction of the singer’s memorabilia, claiming his sister would never have agreed to it.
Late assistant Siobhan Bailey’s family condemns George Michael memorabilia auction
Bailey worked as Michael’s personal assistant for more than 20 years before dying unexpectedly in 2014 at age 56. According to the BBC, her memorabilia collection passed to her then-husband, whom she was reportedly in the process of divorcing. Twelve years later, he partnered with Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers to sell the items under her name.
The auction, titled Faith & Fame: A Personal George Michael Collection, featured more than 30 items. These included photographs, personalized gold and platinum discs, tour notes, and an invitation to Andrew Ridgeley’s 21st birthday party. All the items sold, with the “Faith” guitar fetching the highest price.
However, Gerard argued that his sister would have been devastated by the sale of her personal belongings. According to People, he said, “[Siobhan] 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.”
He also called the auction “wholly unethical.” Moreover, he described the sale of her Filofax and personal notes from Michael as “just so tawdry and contrary to how she was.”
Gerard further claimed that Bailey had been preparing a will before her death. She wanted her belongings to go to her nieces and nephews rather than her estranged husband. He called the use of her name “frankly dishonorable” and insisted she would never have consented to the sale.
Gerard also asked the auctioneers to list the sale under her husband’s name if they decided to proceed. However, the auctioneers did not grant his request before the sale.
Meanwhile, Sworders’ head of Art & Antiques, Guy Schooling, told Guitarist that Bailey’s husband was “quite traumatized” after her death. Schooling said he kept the memorabilia in his garage before eventually deciding to auction the items to prevent them from deteriorating.
George Michael died in December 2016, nearly three years after Bailey.