Back in Time Today
In the realm of celebrity culture, the fascination often extends beyond the stars themselves to the peculiar objects they leave in their wake. While memorabilia usually conjures images of autographed photos and concert tees, some celebrity items that have graced auction blocks defy logic and reason, fetching staggering sums for their sheer oddity. Let’s explore 13 of the weirdest celebrity items ever sold, each with its own unique story.
1. Justin Bieber’s Half-Eaten French Toast ($3,000)
Justin Bieber, the pop sensation, once left behind a plate of half-eaten French toast at NYC’s The Waverly Inn. A devoted fan saw this as a golden opportunity to own a piece of Bieber history and shelled out $3,000 for it. Surprisingly, this bizarre purchase wasn’t the end of the toast’s journey. In 2022, it was resold for a whopping $5,000, proving that Bieber fever knows no bounds.
2. Britney Spears’ Chewed Gum ($14,000)
Back in 2004, a piece of gum chewed by pop icon Britney Spears became a hot commodity. After she spit it into a napkin, a radio station auctioned it off for charity. The winning bidder parted with $14,000 for this sticky memento. However, they later confessed it was a “weird regret,” as owning chewed gum proved less glamorous than imagined.
3. Elvis Presley’s Hairball ($115,000)
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, left behind a peculiar legacy when a clump of his hair was found in his Graceland bathroom. With hair still clinging to the shower wall, this unusual item fetched $115,000 at auction. Collectors with a penchant for Presley memorabilia jumped at the chance to own this eerie piece of history.
4. Lady Gaga’s Cheek Swab ($1,000)
In an unusual twist on celebrity memorabilia, a DNA sample from Lady Gaga, collected via cheek swab, was sold for $1,000. This sample, taken during her 2011 Born This Way Ball tour, was part of a controversial biotech firm’s “pop star DNA art project.” Fans and collectors were intrigued by the novel concept, making it a unique purchase.
5. John Lennon’s Molar Tooth ($31,000)
A decayed molar tooth once belonging to John Lennon found a new home when it was sold for $31,000. The Beatle had originally gifted the tooth to his housekeeper in the 1960s. Later, a Canadian dentist purchased it with hopes of potentially cloning Lennon, adding a layer of bizarre ambition to this peculiar piece of rock history.
6. Katy Perry’s Used Fake Lashes ($200)
Katy Perry’s striking appearance in her “California Gurls” music video was accentuated by a pair of fake lashes, which later sold for $200. The buyer’s enthusiasm stemmed from the fact that these lashes had graced Perry’s face, turning an ordinary beauty product into a cherished keepsake for fans of the pop star.
7. Charlie Sheen’s “Winning” Polka-Dot Shirt ($7,100)
Charlie Sheen, known for his “tiger blood” antics, wore a polka-dot shirt during his infamous 2011 rant. This shirt became an iconic symbol of his wild persona and sold for $7,100. It’s now displayed in a Las Vegas pawn shop, serving as a tangible reminder of Sheen’s erratic yet captivating chapter in celebrity history.
8. Drake’s Half-Finished Smoothie ($100,000+)
During a 2016 club appearance in Miami, rapper Drake left behind a half-finished smoothie, which astonishingly sold for over $100,000. The buyer, a fervent fan, placed a six-figure bid in a charity auction and later consumed the drink on Instagram Live, sharing the bizarre moment with the world.
9. Taylor Swift’s Used Guitar Pick ($10,000)
Taylor Swift’s “1989” tour was memorable not only for its music, but also for the quirky memorabilia it generated. A single, sweat-stained guitar pick from the tour sold for $10,000. The pick came accompanied by a cheeky note from Swift herself, reading, “Rock on, weirdo. –T.S.,” adding a personal touch to this collectible.
10. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Air ($860)
In a rather whimsical turn, a jar claiming to contain “authentic Titanic set air” from 1997 found its way to auction, selling for $860. Though it was merely air, its connection to Leonardo DiCaprio and the iconic film made it a novelty purchase for fans eager to own a piece of cinematic history, no matter how intangible.
11. Shia LaBeouf’s Dirty Laundry ($5,000)
Shia LaBeouf, ever the performance artist, turned his dirty laundry into an art piece, selling it for $5,000. In keeping with LaBeouf’s unpredictable nature, this item blurred the lines between art and personal belongings, offering fans a glimpse into his world of avant-garde expression and celebrity culture disruption.
12. Marilyn Monroe’s X-Ray ($45,000)
The allure of Marilyn Monroe transcends decades, as evidenced by the sale of her 1954 chest X-ray for $45,000. This unusual piece of medical history provided a rare glimpse into the personal life of a timeless icon, underscoring the ongoing fascination with all things Monroe, from glamorous gowns to intimate medical records.
13. Kanye West’s Worn Socks ($1,200)
Kanye West’s impact on pop culture extends to the most mundane of items, such as his worn socks. After tweeting about them, the socks were auctioned for $1,200. This bizarre sale highlights the intense fan devotion and the enigmatic aura surrounding West, where even his clothing becomes a coveted piece of celebrity lore.