A family row has broken out over some of George Michael’s possessions going to auction, including the guitar he used in the iconic ‘Faith’ music video. The collection, which also included gold and platinum records, tour programmes, and personal letters, originated from the estate of the singer’s long-time personal assistant, Siobhan Bailey, who worked with him for two decades.
George Michael on the 1988 ‘Faith Tour’. CREDIT: Michael Putland/Getty Images
Following Bailey’s death in 2014 without a will, the memorabilia passed to her estranged husband, Ian Belcher, who served as her next of kin. Belcher proceeded to auction the items at Sworders, a move that sparked significant backlash from Bailey’s brother, Gerard. He argued that his sister would have been “horrified” by the sale and maintained that the items were cherished personal possessions that should have remained within the family.
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Gerard Bailey publicly criticized the auction as a “misuse of my sister’s name” and a “breach of her privacy,” suggesting that the sale was merely an attempt by Belcher to “cash in” on the late singer's legacy. Conversely, auctioneer Guy Schooling defended the decision, noting that the items could not remain in storage indefinitely and risked deterioration.
The auction saw significant interest, with the guitar famously played by George Michael in the 1987 ‘Faith’ music video selling for £180,000, far exceeding its initial estimate. Other notable items included a gold disc for Wham!’s ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ and a signed copy of Queen’s ‘Five Live’ EP.
The controversy arrives as the legacy of the late pop icon continues to be celebrated. Earlier this year, his former bandmate Andrew Ridgeley reflected on the timeless nature of Michael’s songwriting, emphasizing the deep emotional connection fans maintain with his work. As fans look forward to the upcoming release of remastered footage from the 1988 ‘Faith’ tour, the debate over the ownership and handling of his personal artifacts serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding the estates of legendary artists.