I’ve often wondered how a real life Batman might be unmasked (what can I say? I’m a nerd). I imagine it would unfold a bit like this story–someone would uncover the mystery and sell it to the highest bidder. On eBay.
British street artist Banksy has risen to prominence recently, thanks to the masterfully executed–and rather controversial–couch gag he created for The Simpsons, back in October. His 2010 film Exit Through the Gift Shop also generated a stir upon its release at Sundance, back in January.
Despite all of this newfound success, however, the graffiti artist has somehow managed to keep his identity a secret. Someone claims to have discovered Banksy’s identity, however–and it is offering to unmask him on the popular auction site, eBay.
“I have uncovered [Banksy’s] identity by matching up the prices of his sold pieces to corresponding tax records,” the seller stated on the auction page. “I will reveal no more details… I give you 100 percent assurance that it is most certainly the full name of the street artist known as ‘Banksy.'”
Bidding for Banksy’s identity started at $3,000. Thirty-eight bids later, it was at $999,999. The auction froze when it hit the later number. It has since been removed from the site altogether, simply carrying the note, “This listing (260720844294) has been removed, or this item is not available.”
This isn’t the first time the seller has tried and failed to offer up Banksy’s real name via the auction site. Last time eBay pulled the listing on the grounds that the seller wasn’t offer a tangible product. The new listing centered around a piece of paper with a name on it. No word on why that one has been pulled this time around.
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