Iron Man Robert Downey Jr’s chewed gum for sale on eBay may seem like a bizarre and repulsive concept to many people, but it is not the first time that celebrity memorable or personal items have been auctioned off for exorbitant prices. In fact, the market for celebrity collectibles and fan merchandise has been thriving for decades, fueled by the allure of owning a piece of a famous person’s life or career.

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From autographed posters and concert tickets to clothing, jewelry, and even bodily fluids, there is a seemingly endless demand for anything that has been touched, used, or owned by a celebrity. Some of the most expensive items ever sold at celebrity auctions include Michael Jackson’s white glove, which fetched Rs.3,94,06,560 in 2009, Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress from The Seven Year Itch, which sold for Rs.45,97,04,000 in 2011, and John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics to “A Day in the Life,” which went for Rs.9,84,94,800 in 2010.

Now, it has been reported that the chewed gum of Robert Downey is going to be sold for $40,000 which is around Rs. 33 lakh. However, the authenticity and provenance of such items are often disputed, as there are many cases of forged or fake memorabilia being sold to unsuspecting buyers. In the case of Robert Downey Jr’s gum, there is no way to verify if it is indeed his, or if it was picked up from the ground by a random person who is now cashing in on a celebrity prank. The fact that the seller claims it can be tested for Downey’s DNA is not a foolproof method of authentication, as DNA testing can only confirm a match between the sample and the actor’s DNA profile, but cannot prove that the sample came directly from him.

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Moreover, the sale of personal items without the owner’s consent or knowledge raises ethical and privacy concerns, as it infringes on their right to control their own image and likeness. While some celebrities may willingly donate or sell their belongings for charity or auction, others may object to the commercialization of their personal items or find it invasive and disrespectful.

On the other hand, the obsession with celebrity culture and the commodification of fame is not solely the fault of fans or collectors. The media, advertising, and entertainment industries also play a significant role in promoting and perpetuating the idea that celebrities are objects of desire and aspiration, whose lifestyles and possessions are worth emulating or owning. The constant coverage of celebrities’ personal lives, relationships, and scandals, as well as the endorsement of products and brands by famous faces, create a culture of celebrity worship that can be both lucrative and damaging.

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In this context, the sale of Robert Downey Jr’s gum may be seen as a symptom of a larger phenomenon, where the lines between public and private, real and fake, valuable and worthless, are blurred or manipulated for profit. While some may find it harmless or amusing, others may find it disturbing or grotesque, highlighting the need for a critical reflection on the role of celebrity in contemporary society.

As for Robert Downey Jr himself, he has not commented on the gum auction, nor is he obligated to do so. The fact that he placed the gum on Jon Favreau’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star as a joke suggests that he may have a playful or irreverent attitude towards his own celebrity status, but it does not necessarily mean that he condones or supports the sale of his used gum. Ultimately, the value and significance of celebrity memorabilia, like any other commodity, depend on the perceptions and motivations of those who buy and sell them.