ENNIS, Texas — This one might give credence to the old saying, "All publicity is good publicity."
The viral North Texas hammer-smashing of an autographed Taylor Swift guitar – which was met by backlash from many, celebrated by others but nonetheless was seen by millions – apparently increased the value of the acoustic instrument.
The guitar sold on eBay this week for a final bid price of $6,550, which is more than $2,500 higher than the original price it was purchased at through an Ellis County Wild Game Dinner auction on Sept. 28.
A man won the guitar with a bid of $4,000, only to destroy it with a hammer upon accepting it. The moment was captured on video and subsequently went viral.
Craig Meier, a spokesman for the group, said it was meant to be a funny "lighthearted statement showing disapproval of people in the entertainment industry trying to influence politics."
The room didn't seem to have much problem with it, as everyone laughed along. After the moment got widespread attention, the man who purchased the guitar decided to donate it back to the Ellis County Wild Game group, which then listed the guitar on eBay.
And from there, the bids rolled in.
The eBay listing showed 46 bids were placed on the weeklong auction, reaching the final sale price of $6,550.
All of the proceeds from the initial auction purchase, and the eBay sale, are going to the Future Farmers of America for "agriculture educational programs," according to the eBay post.
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