This week, while R&B superstar Sisqó, real name Mark Althavean, performed in Las Vegas with 90’s super group Dru Hill, an imposter supposedly posed as the singer at New York during fashion week, reaping the benefit of the singer’s celebrity.
According to reports, the phony Sisqó hit several NYFW shows and parties, sat front row and even posed for pictures in a black velvet Versace suit with gold-trimming, statement jewelry and shades. He even rocked a bleached blonde-do to supposedly mimic the singer’s popular 90’s look.
The imposter managed to finesse his way into a slew of fashion shows, including Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 5 Fashion Show, which he attended with his “assistant.” However, his fraudulence came to an end after he tried to weasel his way onto a private jet to the Caribbean. When he provided his passport, the jig was up. Turns out he was Gavin Barnes, born in 1986.
Despite being overheard bragging about an alleged performance in the Meatpacking District, according to Page Six, Gavin told the publication that he never claimed to be the singer.
“I never said I was Sisqó. People thought I was him, and that wasn’t cool,” he said, declining to confirm his identity.
In the meantime, throughout the swindle, the real Sisqó, who was born in 1978, spotted the imposter on Instagram. In turn, he commented under photos of the fake saying, “Datz not me,” Page Six reports. Additionally, his manager weighed in further, thanking the fraud for complimentary gesture.
“Management has no idea who this guy is. It’s flattering, I guess. Thanks for bringing it to our attention …What does his manager look like,” Jeff Allen told the publication.”
The moral of the story is, if you think kicked it with Sisqó this week in New York, you played yourself.
