NEW YORK: An auction by disgraced pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli for his unique copy of a Wu-Tang Clan album has ended with a bid of more than $1 million – and plenty of questions.
The brash mogul, who bought the celebrated rap ensemble’s sole edition of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” in 2015, last week put it up for sale. But on Wednesday he was sent to jail, with a judge revoking his bail after he threatened Hillary Clinton.
The auction ended as scheduled Friday night on eBay with a winning bid of $1,025,100 – little moved since hitting $1 million on September 7 despite a series of competing bids.
The winning bidder’s identity was not known but the user’s eBay profile shows that he or she has frequently sought out CDs and music memorabilia.
With Shkreli behind bars, it is unclear when or how “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” will find its way to its buyer. Fans were already in for a wait; the Wu-Tang Clan had decreed that the music will not be available until the year 2103, although the owner is free to play it at private parties.
As the auction was winding down, questions also arose over the authenticity of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.”
Bloomberg News in an investigation published on Thursday said it was possible that “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” was not an actual Wu-Tang Clan album but rather an elaborate set-up by the Moroccan producer Cilvaringz, who sought out contributions from members of the group.
Shkreli, in selling the album, had voiced resentment over criticism toward him, saying he had made a gift to the Wu-Tang Clan by valuing the music.
Shkreli has been dubbed the most hated man in America after he jacked up the price of HIV drug Daraprim from $13.50 to $750 a pill overnight.
The 34-year-old New Yorker was convicted last month on unrelated securities fraud charges and had been out on $5 million bail pending sentencing.
The judge revoked the bail after he offered a reward for anyone who would grab a strand of former presidential candidate Clinton’s hair – remarks he insisted were a joke.
‘Pharma bro’ Shkreli’s Wu-Tang Clan album goes for $1 million
‘Pharma bro’ Shkreli’s Wu-Tang Clan album goes for $1 million
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
