Fake Jimi Hendrix Sex Tape - the Evidence is Useless. W.W.J.D.?

The Jimi Hendrix Foundation released a statement that the recently released alleged sex tape featuring the legendary guitarist is "exploitation" and that the estate "will aggressively pursue any and every legal course of action to protect the integrity of his legacy." As the Hendrix family owns the legal right to his name and likeness, this is a legitimate situation that could eventually be brought before a judge in court. It is clearly stated on their official website, jimihendrix.com, that the family does not grant a license for use of his name and image in material that includes sexual content.

In my own opinion, anyone who believes that the guy on the alleged Jimi Hendrix sex tape is actually the musical icon might also like to consider placing a bid on a famous bridge in Brooklyn. After viewing the promotional trailer on You Tube, it should appear obvious to many that the man on the sex tape is not in actuality Jimi Hendrix. Jimi was part Native American with Cherokee roots. In his biography ("Electric Gypsy" written by Harry Shapiro and Caesar Glebbeek) Jimi had in fact asked his record company to use images of Indians (meaning Native Americans) on the cover of his "Axis: Bold as Love" album. The record company instead misinterpreted Jimi thinking he had asked for Indians from India and created the album cover with the now-famous images of Hindu-inspired archetypes. Getting back to the sex tape under discussion, the man in the tape does not appear to have any of the Native American Indian roots that the real Hendrix did - he just doesn't look like the real person.

After Hendrix's tragic passing in 1970, his belongings and unrecorded music were taken over by his late father Al. The senior Hendrix set up an estate for the family along with a monument at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton, Washington where he was hoping fans would come to experience the inspiration of his son. When his father passed on, Jimi's sister took over the estate and has not backed down on the family's exclusive right to maintain ownership of Jimi's name and likeness. The Hendrix Estate has also recently begun cracking down on violators by sending "cease and desist" letters to various fan sites that have posted Jimi Hendrix photos and sold bootleg copies of his music. Anyone hoping to manufacture and/or market Jimi Hendrix merchandise must first apply for a license to do so through the Hendrix estate.

Recently, however, the adult-entertainment company Vivid released a documentary-style sex tape that claims to be 11 minutes of footage shot back in 1968 in which Hendrix is supposedly having sex with two women in a hotel room. This company (which also released the famous Pamela Anderson sex tape) asserts to have hired consultants who can validate the claim that the man on the sex tape is indeed Jimi Hendrix. To help further their assertion, Cynthia Plaster Caster - a self-proclaimed "recovering groupie" famous for having made plaster casts of the sexual organs of rock stars - appears on the sex tape's promotional trailer stating that she is "100%" sure that the man on the tape is indeed the real Jimi Hendrix. Ms. Plaster Caster, by the way, also markets a "member" that she cast and named "Penis de Milo" as being made from the authentic Jimi. The famous member is selling for $1500 on her website.

So, where might the legalities of the situation turn to in order to decide if the man on the sex tape is or is not the real Jimi Hendrix? Photos and digital recordings are easily altered so they don't usually hold up too well as evidence. There may also be no real way to prove who actually did fit the mold for Ms. Plaster Caster's most famous work - and as we all know, "if it doesn't fit, it will acquit." Even though the Hendrix family owns the legal right to Jimi's name and likeness, there is only so much that litigation might be able to accomplish for them. By the time a case of this nature actually enters into a legal battle, the renegade video company will have already profited handsomely and by then the sex tape would be available as a free download to any and all through the Internet.

I think it is up to each individual to decide the fate - and profit margin - of the alleged Jimi Hendrix sex tape. Hendrix has been deemed to be one of the most groundbreaking musicians and open-minded seekers in entertainment history. Perhaps it is best that his energy remain free to be as it is - wherever it is - and not be tarnished by what we mere mortal physical animals might decide (unless of course, this whole enterprise might have perhaps been in the same neighborhood as what Jimi had on his mind if it were indeed he who cast Ms. Plaster Caster's famous mold). One's own karma might ultimately remain the best arbiter to dictate what results from what any individual did or did not do with the "Jimi Hendrix Sex Tape." The question is "What Would Jimi Do?"

Additional News Sources:

Official Statement Copied and Pasted from The Jimi Hendrix Foundation Website

http://www.jimihendrixfoundation.com

Hendrix 'Sex Tape' - Official Statement by the Jimi Hendrix Foundation - 05/01/2008

On behalf of both the Jimi Hendrix Foundation and Brave New World, I want to address the despicable news in regards to the Jimi Hendrix "sex tape." Regardless of the tape's authenticity, it is obvious that this is an intentional means to profit off of the exploitation of the greatest musician of our time. This by no means is a reflection of the contribution he's given to us all through his talents and therefore we will aggressively pursue any and every legal course of action to protect the integrity of his legacy.

Sincerely,

Shyan Selah

COO /Spokesperson-The Jimi Hendrix Foundation

Further inquiries can be directed to:

Michael Sims at (425) 917-9597 or

Candice Richardson at (425) 917-9585 or through email at bnw@jimihendrixfoundation.com

Electric Gypsy: Jimi Hendrix. Shaprio, Harry. Glebbeek, Caesar. 1990. St. Martin's Press, New York

http://www.jimihendrixmemorial.com

http://www.jimihendrix.com/index.php