Second Anthony Spokesperson to Step Down

Michelle Bart, spokesperson for the Anthony family

The spokesperson for George and Cindy Anthony, the grandparents of missing Orlando toddler Caylee Marie, is stepping down.

Michelle Bart is the second spokesperson to represent the Anthony Family in as many months. She has become a familiar face as the mouthpiece for George and Cindy when they are unavailable.

"I am stepping aside, but I am not going away. I will continue to be here until the end," said Bart in a news conference late Sunday evening.

Bart said she was stepping aside for health reasons. She is preparing to undergo surgery at the end of the month in Washington State.

Bart was preceded by Larry Garrison, who resigned as the Anthony's spokesperson on November 12, for what he called erratic behavior by the Anthony family .

"It is my opinion that others have manipulated them into situations, that would not dignify the family. I can no longer be part of that behavior. I wish them all the peace and resolution they so deserve. The truth always comes out in the end, and in this case "The truth is better than the spin," wrote Garrison in a statement released to the media.

Mark NeJame, then attorney representing George and Cindy, said Garrison demanded money for interviews with the Anthonys, before pocketing the cash for himself.

An invoice released by NBC News shows a $6,500 fee which Garrison charged that news organization, saying it was for the use of family photographs.

See copy of faxed invoice by Garrison HERE

My post on Larry Garrison's NBC invoice, from November 1, 2008.

Larry Garrison, Anthony Spokesperson, Fired

A spokesman for Cindy and George Anthony was fired after the family discovered he was making money by licensing family photos, an attorney said Wednesday afternoon.

Mark NeJame said the Anthonys let their California spokesman, Larry Garrison, go after finding out he got $6,500 as a licensing fee for family photographs that were used on NBC.


Garrison, however, said he resigned “due to the erratic behavior” of the Anthony family.

The Anthonys’ daughter, Casey, is in Orange County Jail awaiting trial on first-degree murder and other charges. Prosecutors say Casey Anthony killed Caylee, who has not been seen since June.

NeJame said Cindy and George Anthony were not aware of the payments, which NBC confirmed to the family after someone tipped NeJame to their existence. He said the family was shocked and devastated.

In an e-mail to WESH 2 News, NBC News said it "paid a nominal fee to license photos, which is standard practice."

"It turned out that we had information that Mr. Garrison had in fact been paid secretly behind George and Cindy Anthony's back," NeJame said.

Meanwhile, bounty hunter Leonard Padilla said he will return to Blanchard Park at 8 a.m. Thursday with diver to search for Caylee. A search on Monday came up empty.

Statement From Larry Garrison

"Due to the erratic behavior over the last several months exhibited by The Anthony family, Larry Garrison is resigning as their spokesperson. It is my opinion that others have manipulated them into situations, that would not dignify the family. I can no longer be part of that behavior. I wish them all the peace and resolution they so deserve. The truth always comes out in the end, and in this case "The truth is better than the spin."

Larry Garrison's Invoice to Dateline NBC

Copy of Larry Garrison's Invoice To Dateline NBC


Garrison sent this faxed invoice to Katherine Chan at Dateline NBC for fees (license) in the amount of $6,500. This invoice is for Dateline's use of pictures of Caylee and Casey Anthony and/or Anthony family members in the October 22, 2008, interview of the Anthony family.

Cindy and George Anthony fired Garrison after knowledge of this email went public. The Anthony's claim they have never been paid for any interview nor a license fee for photographs.