George Michael’s ‘Faith’ Guitar Sells for $240K at Auction That Late Assistant’s Family Called ‘Wholly Unethical’

An auction featuring personal items once owned by the late pop icon George Michael has sparked considerable controversy, particularly among the family of his long-serving assistant, Siobhan Bailey, who passed away in 2014. The auction, held on 29 October, included several unique memorabilia pieces, but the family has deemed the sale “unethical” and contrary to Bailey’s wishes.

Bailey worked alongside Michael for over two decades, building a close working relationship with the musician. Upon her unexpected death at the age of 56, her collection of items was handed to her then-husband, with whom she was in the process of divorcing. It was not until twelve years later that he collaborated with Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers to auction Bailey’s items, despite her expressed desire for these personal belongings to remain within her family—specifically, to be passed down to her nieces and nephews.

Among the notable items sold was Michael’s iconic “Faith” guitar, which fetched an impressive $240,000 at the auction. Other pieces included photographs taken by Bailey, concert tour materials, and personal notes, which Bailey reportedly intended to stay within her family. This has left her brother, Gerard Bailey, feeling aggrieved. He voiced concerns over what he described as a violation of Siobhan’s memory and wishes.

Gerard expressed his dismay during an interview with the BBC, stating, “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. It’s just so tawdry and contrary to how she was.” He noted how personal items such as her Filofax, which contained her tour itinerary, should not have been included in such a sale.

The auction, titled “Faith & Fame: A Personal George Michael Collection,” was presented by Sworders as an “intimate photographic archive,” featuring over 30 items from Bailey’s collection. Though the auction house did not respond to requests for comments, they have stated that the proceeds from the auction will benefit her estranged husband.

Gerard, lamenting the lack of a will at his sister’s passing, recalled how Siobhan had plans to ensure her treasured possessions were preserved for her young relatives. “Misuse of my sister’s name is frankly dishonourable,” he stated, emphasising how proud she was of the accolades she received during her career while also remaining modest about her accomplishments. The frustration with the auction’s naming was evident in his plea that it should proceed in her husband’s name rather than hers.

Guy Schooling, Sworders’ head of Art & Antiques, shared insights in an article published shortly before the auction date. He revealed the emotional weight carried by Bailey’s husband after her sudden passing, stating that he had housed the memorabilia in his garage for years. “He was persuaded that these things couldn’t stay in the garage forever because they would have deteriorated,” Schooling explained.

The auction ultimately saw all items sell, with the guitar lighting up the bidding atmosphere. However, the conflict surrounding its sale highlights a broader issue about the ethical considerations of profiting from personal mementoes tied to an individual’s life and relationships.

The estate of George Michael also comes into play, as the late singer’s family reportedly supported the sale of the guitar, thus distancing themselves from the controversy instigated by Bailey’s relatives. As the dust settles on this emotional auction, the divisions within Bailey’s family may persist, particularly around the controversial use of her name and the desires she held for her cherished items.