Banksy could finally be unmasked as famous graffiti artist is named in court case
Alongside the creation of Stonehenge and the great pyramids, it's remained one of life's great mysteries: who is Banksy?
He or she has managed to keep their true identity under wraps for the best part of 30 years.
Leaving their mark on buildings all around the world, from Los Angeles to Bethlehem, many have tried to unmask them during that time.
However, as of yet, despite rumours, they've remained unsuccessful in their endeavour.
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But could that all be about to change? Well, according to reports, Banksy's company is being sued by a very wealthy entrepreneur over defamation.
Reports in the Daily Mail state Andrew Gallagher, who used to be heavily involved in the music scene back in the 90s, has launched legal action against Pest Control Ltd. - a company set up by Banksy to manage to sale of their art - as well as a man called Robin Gunningham.
The 49-year-old graffiti artist has long been thought to be the man behind the infamous moniker.
Despite request for comment, neither Mr Gallagher nor his lawyer Aaron Wood would offer much information on the case.
Mr Wood told the outlet that details would remain 'confidential' 'until Banksy or Pest Control file their acknowledgement of service'.
"For this reason, I’m not at liberty to say any more about the claim," he said.
So while there's been no confirmation as yet whether Mr Gunningham is definitely the man we've all known as Banksy, it might not be long until we find out once and for all.
LADbible has contacted Pest Control Ltd. for comment.
This comes after Banksy's 'real voice' was unearthed in a resurfaced recording.
The artist mostly communicates with the public via social media now, but in March 2005 he called in for an interview on National Public Radio (NPR), where he seemed to speak with his real voice.
The interview has resurfaced in a 10-episode BBC podcast series called The Banksy Story, and took place as Banksy carried out a series of stunts across famous art institutions in New York, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
It features a man speaking in a Southern English accent - but is it too good to be true?
In the clip, the interviewer says: "We assume that you are who you say you are, but how can we be sure?"
He responds: "Oh, you have no guarantee of that at all."
Though Banksy doesn't confirm his identity, he speaks with knowledge about his work and how he goes unnoticed, and even drops a hint about his appearance.
He explains: "Some of [the pieces] are quite big... Most people let the world go past them and they don't pay a lot of attention to most things - not even, apparently, to people with big beards, wielding around pieces of art and glueing them up."
Dominic Smithers