What, you mean that crystal ball isn’t crystal?
: Flimflamstar John Edward may be brought up on charges in Australia because — gasp — there’s doubt that he can actually talk to the dead.
Consumer Affairs Victoria is examining a complaint alleging celebrity self-proclaimed psychic John Edward cannot talk to the dead.
Melbourne mind illusionist Mark Mayer claims the star of worldwide TV hit Crossing Over with John Edward “is a specialist at fooling people”.
Mayer made a formal complaint to Consumer Affairs on Friday, claiming Edward’s sell-out show in Melbourne would breach the Trade Practices Act….
He said Edward’s key technique was “cold reading”.
“He asks questions in rapid succession, then when he gets an answer he feeds it back as if he already knew the information,” Mayer said.
He alleged Edward then used probability, suggesting common names or ailments that were likely to strike a chord with the person in the audience, he said.
Mayer said if Edward were genuine he would be able to hear full names, not only the first letter.
“Why can’t the dead articulate? Why are they mumbling?” he said.
