A self-described descendent of Byzantine emperors yesterday denied media reports that he sold fake titles of nobility to Taiwanese celebrities for profit under the cover of charity work.
\nThe man, who calls himself Prince Henri Constantine de Vigo Aleramico Lascaris Paleologo, Head of the Imperial House of Byzantium, accused Next magazine and several TV channels of smearing his humanitarian activities in Taiwan.
\nA report in the Oct. 7 issue of the Next magazine said Henri is a scam artist who knights celebrities who are willing to pay exorbitant sums for aristocratic titles in the defunct empire.
\n"The Byzantine Emperor met his demise in the 15th century. How can this Henri, who claims to be an heir to the Imperial House of Byzantine, still knight people around the world?" asked an Ettoday TV report.
\nThe reports also said that in 2000, Chinese policemen found that Sara Kuo (
* Prince Henri Constantine de Vigo Aleramico Lascaris Paleologo claims to be the head of the Imperial House of Byzantium
* `Next' magazine said Henri is a con artist who knights celebrities willing to pay for aristocratic titles
* A cursory search of the Internet shows numerous reports questioning the veracity of Henri's claims
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