TMZ. with
Gary Estesthe Texas man who spent $4,000 to destroy a Taylor Swift guitar with a hammer, says he didn’t actually put the pen on the instrument… even though it contains his autograph and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Gary joined us on “TMZ Live” on Wednesday and settled a point of debate about the viral moment…namely, was that guitar signed by Taylor?!?
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Taylor did NOT autograph the guitar itself…instead, says Gary, it appears that Taylor signed a different piece of memorabilia that was affixed to the guitar.
As we reported… a source close to Taylor’s merchandise company tells us she didn’t autograph the guitar, but rather the non-profit organization that auctioned off the instrument to raise money for charity claimed it was signed and we provided Gary with a certificate of authenticity, which we also obtained.
Based on what Gary is saying here, everyone is technically right in their assessment… and he’s also clarifying what was behind his destructive gesture.
Gary fold down and tells us that it was just a joke and that the crowd was encouraging him.
The swinging hammer didn’t destroy Taylor’s John Hancock either… and Gary put the guitar to auction on eBayand said the money from the sale would also go to charity.
As of this posting, the current bid is $4,400.
Gary also has a message for Taylor… and he’s prepared to give her the guitar if she wants to buy it and actually help a charitable effort in Texas.