Tom Petty’s Family Accuses Auction House of Stealing

The Late Musicians Family Pursues Legal Action

RR Auction, the Boston based auction house, has been accused of dealing in stolen property of Tom Petty. The late icons family released a statement on Wednesday which included a strongly worded declaration that they would be pursuing ‘swift legal action’. The auction is currently set to June 22nd this year and includes 57 different items of personal memorabilia. Amongst the collection ranges various items from a black cap Petty wore whilst being interviewed by Molly Medlrum on Australian Television in 1989, signed records, shoes and a famed black and white striped jacket. The prices are to go from $100 up to a whopping $5700 with the bidding already begun in a predictable competitive nature. The released statement from the family comes with a clearly outlined manifestation, expressing their anger and intent to see the items returned. “We believe RR Auction, headquartered in Boston, is offering stolen Tom Petty memorabilia with a completely false provenance inaccurate to fact and in complete denial of clear evidence they have been presented. They will not disclose the cosigner who has provided these items or how they were acquired. But they are clearly stolen, there is no other word for it. These items have irreplaceable sentimental and educational value for the family and legacy of Tom Petty,” the family said, “and we look forward to their safe return.”

The legend in his hay day.

RR Auction have also spoken out in response, with their attorney Mark Zaid defending the company’s methods of acquirement and morality. “RR Auction has been cooperating with the Petty family from the moment they reached out to us just days ago and will happily continue to do so without unnecessary hostile threats of litigation. We continue to diligently investigate this situation and have requested the Petty family to cooperate with us as well,” he stated. However he goes on to say the company takes no responsibility to the claim of robbery, “we also take seriously any defamatory allegations against our company, which has developed a stellar reputation over the last half-a-century of auctions, many of which are often in the news.” Petty’s family have taken the matter with incredulous certainty, calling for fans and enthusiasts to take no part in the auction until it has been resolved.

The items can be found on RR Auctions Website

Official statement released from Tom Petty’s family.