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Furry little fellows just big fat fakes

Beware- if you happen to see Fatso the fat arsed wombat with a big "for sale" sign slapped across it's khyber, keep walking. It's a fake.

Thousands of fraudulent Fatsos are being sold in markets and through retail outlets around Australia, breaching the copyright of the creators Roy and HG, who said the furry little fella could be used only for charity and not commercial gain.

Speaking exclusively to Confidential yesterday, HG Nelson defended Fatso's honour and copyright.

"Obviously it's flattering to know how much of an impact the little fella made during the games, " HG said.

"And to a degree his arse is fair game as it has crowbarred its way into the national spotlight."

But- and it is a big butt we're talking about here- HG said celebrating Fatso in privacy is one thing but flogging him for commercial gain is another.

"Roy and i have always encouraged people to share the spirit, keep the dream alive, and all those other Olympics lines," he said.

"And, by all means build your own private shrine to the fat arsed little bugger but don't be silly and sell him to other people."

Dubbed the Battler's Prince, Fatso became the unofficial Olympic mascot during the Sydney Games on Roy and HG's The Dream. He even appeared tucked under the arms of Grant Hackett and Michael Klim.

Fatso was put into semi retirement after Seven chairman Kerry Stoakes forked out $80 450 for the genuine article at a charity auction last year. He now resides in Seven's hall of Fame in Sydney.

Neil Mooney, producer of Today Tonight, has a team of reporter tracking down those cashing in on the marsupial's fame and name.

Some companies , he claims, are having Fatsos mass produced abroad and importing them.

Private detectives hired by Seven have found Fatsos and Fatso merchandise including T-shirts, in market stalls in far north Queensland and Perth.

"Every two-bit huster has gone on the fatso bandwagon," said Mooney.

February 15th 2001, Daily Telegraph.