August 24, 1999
Ray Park (a.k.a. Darth Maul) Cancels Toronto appearance and breaches contract
We regret to announce that Ray Park has decided to breach his contract and not appear to meet with Canadian fans at the 1999 Canadian National Science Fiction Expo. Instead, he will be vacationing in Greece throughout the duration of the Expo.
His Hollywood agents have told us that it is not in Ray's best interest to make these appearances as it is bad for his image. They claim that Ray was never committed to the Expo, even though he has been paid, there is a signed contract by his ex-management, there is a promotional video where he says:
Hi I'm Ray Park, who plays Darth Maul in the new Phantom Menace Star Wars Movie, and this to all Canadian Fans, I will see you in August.
As well, there is a photograph where he physically wrote:
Hey Toronto, See you in August.
Signed Ray Park
There are also photos of Ray executing part of the contract, which involved him signing 400 autographs for the purpose of promotion. They have also told us that the monies paid to Mr. Park will not be returned. Ironically, during a conversation with Ray Park recently, he admitted to having committed to Toronto, stating, "Ya, I know we told you we were coming to Toronto."
We have retained legal council to deal with Mr. Park and his agents. For the past couple of weeks, we have tried salvaging his appearance, but nothing has changed. This is a truly disappointing attitude, and the fans, especially the ones traveling from far distances are going to suffer, while Mr. Park vacations in Greece. We wish to make all these people aware prior to their decent to Toronto. Our company feels extraordinarily bad, as we are letting our customers down.
Regardless, the Expo will be running as scheduled with guests that include: Jeri Ryan, Nicole DeBoer, Warwick Davis, Kenny Baker, Lou Ferrigno, Kevin Smith plus many more.
All evidence, including the video, contract, receipt, and photos are available to the media.
Aman Gupta
Trade Show Coordinator
Hobby Star Marketing