Construction worker defends himself against rumors: “I am NOT Banksy!”

London – Is it because of the glasses? Or maybe the hairstyle? According to new rumors, world-famous street artist Banksy is a construction worker! The Londoner has a striking resemblance and was also shot right next to Banksy graffiti caught and photographed. Since then, his phone has been ringing every five minutes.

Now construction worker George Georgiou makes it clear in the British “Daily Mail”: “I am not Banksy!” The 69-year-old has had enough of the wild speculation. “It’s really annoying, ridiculous and disruptive.” At first he was able to laugh about it. “But it’s an old joke now.”

Banksy allegedly exposed

New revelations surrounding Banksy’s identity have reignited speculation. A research team from the Reuters news agency claims to have exposed the street artist as the British Robin Gunningham. An official confirmation of the artist There is currently no such thing. Shortly afterwards, photos of Georgiou spread again on the Internet.

The reason for the mix-up: Georgiou was photographed at a Banksy graffiti in North London in March 2024, right next to the artwork.

That’s why he’s mistaken for Banksy

However, the man is not a mysterious street art star. According to the Daily Mail, he is simply a construction worker. The building where the graffiti appeared belongs to his sons. Georgiou simply helped protect the work with plexiglass. Nevertheless, the images spread rapidly online. Some users and media outlets suddenly speculated: Is THAT Banksy? Also because Georgiou looks strikingly similar to the only known photo of the alleged Banksy Robin Gunningham.

Georgiou is considering legal action

Hard to believe for Georgiou. Above all, the constant reactions get on his nerves: “Every five minutes the phone rings, someone is making fun of it,” he told the “Daily Mail“If you just want to live your life, it’s extremely disruptive.” According to the newspaper, Georgiou is now even considering legal action.

He himself can’t understand why he looks like the alleged Banksy Robin Gunningham: “The only good thing is that people think I look 51.” His conclusion: “If Banksy were found, he certainly wouldn’t be standing somewhere doing construction work.”