Dr King reportedly told a press conference in Bermuda that world leaders and Hollywood stars would attend the glittering event.
But Bermuda’s daily newspaper, The Royal Gazette, has been told by agents of certain celebrities named by Dr King that they will definitely NOT be there.
Now doubts hang over the event, called the 2006 Global Vision Awards of Excellence, scheduled to be held at a premier Bermuda hotel on June 30.
Dr King told the Bermuda press that Archbishop Desmond Tutu, actors Will Smith, actress Halle Berry and singer Rick Springfield, plus three unnamed world leaders, would attend the ceremony on June 30.
The Gazette reported that Dr King announced that the ceremony would be televised to 185 countries around the world and would herald “the accomplishments of men and women who have significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life for all.”
However, agents for Halle Berry, Will Smith and Rick Springfield said they knew nothing about the event and that their clients would not be visit Bermuda for the awards, the Gazette said.
Dr King, founder and chairman of the King Humanitarian and Global Foundation, told reporters in Bermuda that world leaders and Hollywood stars would be “coming in droves” to the awards dinner.
Described on printed material for the event as “His Excellency”, Dr King was said to have a doctorate in economics from Cambridge University and to be an ambassador for Dominica.
Dr King told the press conference: “This is the very first time that these great awards will
be happening in Bermuda. It’s an awards dinner where we will be inviting local persons to
attend as well. This will be a fabulous time, a night one will always remember,” he said. However, the Gazette said Dr King’s claims had been “thrown into doubt” by the denials of several celebrity representatives.
Spokesmen for Oscar winner Ms Berry, Oscar nominee Mr Smith and Mr. Springfield all said they knew nothing of the event and that their clients would not be visiting Bermuda.
But Dr King insisted to the Gazette that the event would go ahead with all the famous guests he had named.
“I know for sure. I have confirmation that they are coming. I will stand by what my office has sent out,” he was quoted as saying.
Dr King would not, however, name the world leaders lined up for the event “for security reasons.”
Last night, Dr King could not be reached. A source in Bermuda said he had left the island.
Source: The Tribune – Nassau, Bahamas
