Ant and Dec’s Costly Banksy Blunder Ends in High Court Showdown
Even the nation’s favourite Geordie lads aren’t immune to a bit of street art skulduggery. Ant and Dec, the beloved telly duo who’ve graced our screens for decades, found themselves down a pretty penny after being sold a so-called Banksy that turned out to be as authentic as a Chinese-made All Blacks jersey. The pair recently secured a court order against the seller, putting a stop to any further profits from the fraudulent deal.
It emerged this week that the pair had transferred a significant sum through the banking system to acquire what they thought was a genuine piece by the elusive graffiti artist. But when doubts crept in, they didn’t just shrug it off. Instead, they took the matter to the High Court in London, where they successfully obtained an order preventing the seller from making any more money off the fake. You’d imagine the whole ordeal has left a sour taste, especially for two fellas who usually bring nothing but smiles.
When life gives you lemons, or in this case, a dud canvas, you reach for a bit of escapism. Maybe that’s why Tracy Morgan’s new laugh-out-loud memoir, How to Age Disgracefully: A Novel, is flying off the shelves over here. Or perhaps the romantic at heart might fancy Stand and Defend: A Hockey Romance, a book that’s scoring big with readers who love a bit of rough-and-tumble love. It’s the kind of story where the hero takes a slap shot to the heart.
The case has also shone a light on how easily the banking system can be used to move money for shonky deals. In an age where cash zips around the globe in seconds, it’s a stark reminder that even the rich and famous need to do their homework. One art world insider put it simply: “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
Here’s a quick rundown of what the savvy art buyer should keep in mind:
- Provenance is everything: A half-shredded canvas doesn’t automatically make it a Banksy.
- Follow the money: If the seller insists on a wire transfer to an offshore account, walk away.
- Get a second opinion: Even Ant and Dec wish they had.
As for the dynamic duo, they’re back to their day jobs, probably with a newfound appreciation for authenticated art. And if they’re looking for a good read to take their minds off the whole mess, they know exactly where to look. Just don’t expect them to bid on any more unsigned street art anytime soon.