Sceptic Versus Psychic

A Melbourne sceptic has lodged a formal complaint with Consumer Affairs he hopes will force American psychic John Edward to prove claims he communicates with the dead.Self-described "mind-illusionist" Mark Mayer, who admittedly possesses no psychic abilities, but has his own show where he appears to read minds, said he wanted to force Edward to prove his claims or admit his show was a scam.Edward begins his Australian tour in Perth on Friday. His After Life tour arrives in Melbourne on March 2."In the history of spiritualism no one has ever been able to prove that they communicate with the dead," he said.He believes under section 106A of the Fair Trading Act John Edward will be forced to substantiate claims on promotional material that he communicates with the dead."(Edward is) riding on people's vulnerabilities at the worst time in their lives," Mr Mayer said.Mr Mayer said a disclaimer that appears on John Edward's television show Crossing Over showed the opinion of Edward was not intended to be "a factual statement in any way whatsoever" and "was intended as entertainment" yet he promoted his show as a genuine communication with the dead.

Mr Mayer has asked that Mr Edward announce his show is entertainment only in the print, television and internet media, and make refunds available for ticket holders who believe they were misled by the show's promotions.A spokesperson for John Edward could not be contacted yesterday.

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