personally i would have to get it from the hourses mouth, not a magizene or internet site. Only the parties involved know what really happened.

Bettylouh- Now you're being ridiculous. I've supplied the source that you requested. I've proven time and time again that Angel fired Banachek. There should be no doubt about it. Banachek did stated that Criss fired him (in the source that I supplied you. It's a very credible source, as S.A.M. is only the oldest and most prestigious magic society in the world). You can keep denying the facts, but that doesn't mean that your belief is correct. As for Banachek needing time to get to his projects; he was already filming for his TV show while working for Criss. He was doing everything that he had to do without much problem.

Also, you've never provided a source that states that Criss never fired Banachek. So you really can't take "him" at his word if he never says anything.

dustin,heres a fact...no-one was ever sure there was going to be a 4th season right away and definitely not a 5th.now being itricks never said banacheck was fired and banacheck never said it(except 4 "magic chatter"on some boards and i guess we would have to include this board to since u infiltrated it)i'm going to go out on a limb here and say that maybe banacheck only thought this was a project that would only last a few years(alas!it's such a hit it just keeps going like the energizer bunny)and he wants to get to his projects now.i'm gonna take him at his word there rather than believe some guy that says something different.

If I post the article, will you stop posting cheap shots at me? Will you finally believe what I've stated? Here's the article in question (as the article is long, I'm only posting the parts that actually deal with what we're talking about):

"The devil, you say!" was the response I got when I told a friend that, just because of last month's cover story, Criss Angel fired Banachek from his MINDFREAK reality show (now there's a real oxymoron). Yep, it seems that Criss felt that the Banachek profile written by Richard Hatch didn't say enough about how great Mr. Angel thinks Mr. Angel's creativity is. When I told that to my friend, he asked, "Doesn't that bad boy realize the cover story was about Banachek, not him?"

*the next paragraph talks about how Banachek asked to have the article emailed to him for fact checking, and did some editing on it. I'm not typing it out because there's not much important information there.*

The desired alterations were made, and the issue went to press on Thursday. The paragraph was edited that told how Angel really needed (make that "wanted," someone close to Criss advised) Banacheck's creativity to get the show off the ground the first season. We rewrote the statement that explained how Angel didn't have a budget to hire Banachek full time, but Banachek rearranged his college show schedule to work on the series anyway. We softened the numerous mentions of the creative contributions that Banachek had made to the show. And because we had cut some other things that , "Criss might not like, and we want to keep him happy," there was enough space to add a photo of Angel and Banachek that had been emailed to us.

When I turned on my computer the following Monday, an email from Banachek was there: "I was fired by Criss from MINDFREAK las night." The reason? Apparently, Angel had re-read the revised article and decided it still made him look like "a puppet,"complaining that it didn't say enough about his creativity. Despite the fact that the focus of our article was Banachek's creativity, Angel still felt it "made it look like he had everyone else doing everything for him." And while this may or may not be true (Criss wouldn't return a call to confirm), this was the reason he gave for the termination, telling Banachek that he needed )make that "wanted") to let him go.

So, Bettylouh, there you have it. Are you still going to deny it though, or make up some ridiculous reason why it's not true? You've had the facts all along, but you bias won't let you accept them. Now you have the article that I have constantly cited. As you see, I never made anything up, or exaggerated in the least bit. I was simply stating the facts.

Check out the latest issue of M.U.M. In the section that the editor writes, the whole issue is talked about. But to sum it up, Criss decided that the article about Banachek that had appeared in the February issue of M.U.M. (which had a small section on Criss and Banachek) made Criss look like a puppet, and he complained that it didn’t say enough about his (Criss’s) creativity. Which is extremely stupid as the article was written about Banachek in the first place. Basically, Criss just had an over inflated ego that got hurt.

Oh, and just as a side note on the link you posted. Fallingblood, the person who started that thread, is me.

Left by Dustin White on March 8th, 2008


the problem is that you "summed"up the article in your own words.criss and banacheck both are honorable men and had a great friendly working relationship.both are beyond nice guys from all accounts.i've never heard anything but compliments from reporters and others that have met criss.he just would never fire banacheck over something that silly especially when they had a strong relationship.i'm saying that criss would not fire banacheck over that!i think that because of the way you expressed your nasty opinion of criss that your exaggerating the facts or even making it all up!banacheck even defends criss.something is not right here and i think it's you.post the article mr.white.

Bettylouh- Do you even comprehend the majority of what I wrote? The article I was talking about, that I cited, and referenced numerous times was the article the appeared in the current issue of M.U.M., the official magazine of the S.A.M. I've stated that over and over again. I'm not starting rumors; I'm not stating an opinion. I'm stating what M.U.M. says; pure facts; that Criss fired Banachek. That is a fact, not an opinion. I've cited the source numerous times now. Please refrain from insulting me and attacking me until you can understand that.

I also stated that in my opinion Criss has an overinflated ego. It's my opinion, and I support that with the fact that he fired Banachek because of an article written about Banachek (to clarify for you, the article that was written in M.U.M.). That is my opinion. Now, that is not my opinion of all famous magicians. I believe that David Copperfield, and David Blaine are great magicians. They both have the fame that Criss does, if not more. So to think that I just don't like Criss because he's successful and famous is ridiculous. Also, I could care less that he gets around with the women. I'm engaged to be married to the love of my life. I have no want to be with other women. So again, your childish attack doesn't work.

Now, when I first posted here, I was simply trying to give a little additional information. You then came in and decided to immaturely attack me personally. You have yet proven a thing I've said wrong. Instead, you sink to a childish level and attack me personally. I would appreciate it if you could resist doing so in the future.

Also, it becomes very evident that you don't comprehend what I write because I never stated, or insinuated that any of those magicians are following an evil cult leader. I was simply proving that just because you have people who are devoted to you doesn't mean you're a good person. Please, if you do decide to respond, don't try to put words in my mouth.

I never took a cheap shot at Criss. I haven't been bashing him. I simply stated a fact. In fact, I also complimented him in. I've stated quite frequently that he's a talented stage magician. Yet you seem to not notice that because it doesn't fit into your self twisted view.

Finally, I never claimed that Criss cheated. I have no idea what you're talking about in that instance. I simply stated that Criss fired Banachek, which I then cited my source (that being the current issue of M.U.M. I know I've repeated that frequently, but you don't seem to be able to understand that I'm citing a source here).

achtung, I have been to tapings of season 4, which will air this summer. Unless they do some "fancy" editing, everything I saw was legit.
I have been to the Safe Prediction, A card demonstration at the las vegas Ice rink, a few random ones at the luxor, Cremation, Car Crash demo
( =( ), and a few more.

actually,dustin,the article merely said that banacheck didn't work for criss any more and that it caused alot of chatter on some forums.that means that people are talking about something that is none of their business and that always turns into rumors being spread.if banacheck isn't talking about it then why are you elaborating and adding to it your opinion which is biased because you have an axe to grind with him.your saying that banacheck got fired because of an article being written and that criss felt hurt and has an inflated ego and bla bla bla.i really believe that is a straw man you've built so you don't feel so inadaquit by criss's sucess and fame or maybe because he's hot and is banging all these hot chicks.who knows what's going on in that secretive little mind of yours,but you made a mountain out of a mole hill with the itricks article here.you took a CHEAP SHOT at criss and tried to make criss look like the biggest jerk ever!i think you have an over inflated ego and is hurt because of the reasons i stated earlier and you seemed to take pride in the fact that you are fallingboob and started some self-serving thread!whoop te do!banacheck even stuck up for criss in this article!so quit minimizing what you've done and get over your self!the editor even clarified that that the rumors of criss cheating are NOT TRUE!nothing negative about criss except for people saying things that are not true and that in itself is positive but you chose to turn it all around to make criss look like a jerk and even say he has an over inflated ego.this is all very self serving for some reason that we'll obviously never will know why and quite frankly,who gives a sh**!!are you saying richard kauffman,james randi and siegfried and roy would follow an evil cult leader?i'm not talking to you any more,you won't admit the truth of your intentions here and you might even be delusionally lying to your self.

Every magician has to create a persona unique to them. That's what an entertainer does. As for being a traditional magician, I don't even know what that would entail. Magic is such a vast art form, that to be a traditional magician isn't really possible; unless you would mean the stereotypical stage magician, but even that is a very large stereotype). Criss Angel is by no way original in what he's doing. Many other magicians, before and after, have used the same style. That's how magic is though. And it's not an insult to him.

Yes, he's been successful, no one is denying that. The whole discussion was whether or not he fired Banachek. Which should never have had to been debated, as it's a fact that he did. As far as him being humble, that's your opinion. My opinion is that he's let the fame go to his head and engorge his ego. My support to this is the reason in which he fired Banachek. Also the disrespect he has shown to Houdini and David Blaine, and David Copperfield.

Also, you don't have to be a good person to have people devoted to you. Charles Manson is an evil person, yet he has people who are devoted to him. Then just look at all the other cult leaders. Many people hopelessly devoted to those people. All of them very evil. So your argument on that point is very weak.

As for his accomplishments; they really mean nothing in this discussion. No one is debating whether or not he's successful. So I don't see the point in bringing that up in the first place.

CASE OPENED AGAIN!you have to look at CA from a different perspective,you can't put him in a box and classify him as a traditional magician,he isn't.he has created a "personna"that is unique to him alone. he had his own live show in NY where he created music to go along with his theatrical illusions which got him rave reviews.he did some tv specials that also got rave reviews before his a&e show.and of course we all know he will be doing a live show again in vegas 4 the next 10yrs.at least.CA is a new breed of entertainment.he's used many outside influences in his creative process to create "criss angel mindfreak".and he also gives credit to all people who help him with his show...consultants,family,crew,staff etc.he's actually a pretty humble guy in many ways and he has to be a good guy for so many people to love and care about him so much.such as a devoted family and friends like richard kauffman(editor of genii mag.),james randi,penn & teller,siegfried&roy,lance burton,amazing jonathon and many rock stars as well because he's a talented musician also.he's talented and skilled in many area's.here's a list...martial art's,gymnastic's,dance,theatre,illusions,magic,entertainer,pyrotechnic's,music(drums,vocal's,writes,produces and performs),mystifyer,provacateur,and technology.do you know he actually designed the visual effects for the 105 million dollar production of "Le Reve"for steve wynn's 2.6billion dollar casino in 2005? he's also won the "22nd louie award"for outstanding achievement in the art of magic and magician of the year several times.AND HE DOESN'T CARE WHAT ANYBODY ELSE THINKS,HE ONLY CARES ABOUT PLEASING HIMSELF ARTISTICALLY.wow,don't make me do this again!i can't take it any more.ROTFL!!!!!!!

Loyal- What tapings did you see? (of what trick)?

The fact of the matter is that Criss DOES use camera tricks. and even if his live show will not use camera effects- it does not excuse the fact that he does use them on his show. And while he doesnt use them for every trick, there are many that use these effects. However, in the effects without camera tricks, it is evident that he does not have more than average skill with sleight of hand, and I dont consider camera tricks to be magic. What would be the difference then to watch Criss angel fly on TV and superman fly in a movie? NOTHING. He is discrediting all magic on TV. case closed.

I disagree Dustin as Criss will be doing a great deal of the things on his live show has he has done on his tv show and therefore it will prove he doesn't need stooges or camera tricks to do what he does. I also know many Loyal who have been to many many tapings for the show and they will 100% vouvhed to that fact nothing was stooge or camera trick related.;)

I've been to a few tapings, and from what I saw, No stooges OR camera tricks.

I mean, the guy is great and all, he's just getting too big for his britches, if you know what I mean.

Bettylouh- Would you mind keeping it civil? First off, the majority of what you said doesn't make sense. It's a complete rant that is incoherent for the most part. I never said Criss ruined my magic career. I have a flourishing entertainment career (I do more than just magic). I never said Criss got fired. I stated the fact that Criss fired Banachek. I also cited my source, that being M.U.M, the S.A.M's official magazine, which is a very credible source. I'm not here to bash Criss. If you would take some time to read, you would see that I also compliment him on his stage show.

I'm not trying to deny what I've said. I've stuck to the same thing. Criss fired Banachek. Criss never beat me to the punch on his ideas, because Criss and I do completely different things. I'm more of a comedian. It's completely different than what Criss does.

So please, before you respond, think about what you're saying. I'm growing tired of the childish way you have presented yourself. I don't care that you like Criss, but it's much better to uphold yourself in a mature manner, than sink to the level of a child.

LoyalJamie- His live show isn't going to prove that he doesn't use stooges and camera tricks. Any experienced magician can tell you that he for certain does do so. There is a huge difference between a live show and a tv show. So going to see his live show (which I'm sure will be great. I personally think he should stick to live shows, as he's a stage magician), won't prove a thing, except that he's a talented stage magician.

fallingblood or dustin,whatever,you need to go concentrate on your clown act.hopefully you do a better job than you do on this board talking s*** about criss and then trying to do the 2-step to deny what your really saying.i noticed on the other board your on(penquin)that you get on the angel site there and talk s***about him too.quit trying to convince everybody criss has ruined your magical career.as your moderator said on that board also,"quit watching your soap operas"(so glad i read that,it was my words exactly above,as you know).you are OWNED buddy.sorry criss beat you to the punch on his ideas and has made it to the top.get over it.think some of your own up and work hard and passionately to make them work(as criss did!).your speculation and opinion as to why criss got fired(if that's what really happened,we still can't be sure your not telling"little girly fibs")has no merit at all with the rest of us that respect the man.go on one of your other "criss bashing"boards and give them a thrill,i know there's a couple out there.try the "illusionist"blog.they'd love you over there!let them know i sent you,would ya?you'll probably get more attention that way.also,what about jim callahan's website?that'd be a really good one!you can use my name there too,he know's me too from this site.WOW,BRAINSTORM HERE!,I THINK I'M GONNA GET FAMOUS TOO WHEN YOU GUY'S GET TOGETHER AND TALK S***ABOUT ME!LOVIN IT!

Calm down children.

AGAIN I SAY TO THOSE WHO CLAIM HE USES STOOGES AND CAMERA TRICK GO SEE HIS LIVE SHOW WHEN IT STARTS! THAT WILL SHUT YOU UP!:D

The fact of the matter is that Criss, no matter what anyone says, uses camera tricks and stooges- it is obvious. The fact that the loyals say "It doesn't matter if he uses those things because he connects with the audience." That is complete BS because it does matter. If it is a camera trick- Its not true magic. And if the audience is in on the effect, there is no "connection" taking place. As to his viewers at home, most find him obnoxious and annoying, the ones who dont and blindly follow him are called "loyals." Every magician knows that Banachek is more skilled, talented, and creative than Criss will ever be. Most magicians on this forum are more skilled than Criss. As to his live show, I agree that he is a good stage performer. His live show in 2000 was excellent, and I look forward to seeing his new show at the Luxor. However, that doesnt excuse him using camera tricks on his TV show. I dont think his live show will have the same effects as on the TV show becuase he would then have to stooge the entire theater.

Bettylouh- You should really think before you type. I never said that Criss was in it purely for the fame. I simply stated my reason for being an entertainer. I have no idea, and I don't pretend to know, why Criss is an entertainer. So there was no speculation made on my part. Also, it may be just an opinion that I do a good job (yet another childish attack by you) but it's an opinion held by many (which is why I keep getting additional bookings).

Loyal- Criss fired Banachek because of an article that appeared in M.U.M. (the official magazine of the Society of American Magicians). Now, I assume many people here don't actually get that magazine (as it is only available to members of S.A.M.). If you do, the story is in the Editor's Notes of the March issue. If not, here's a brief summary.

Banachek had some stories written about him for the February issue of M.U.M. They talked about his creativity. Banachek did a little editing on them because "Criss might not like, and we want to keep him happy." Well, after the editing was done, Criss reread the article and decided that it still made him look like "a puppet." He said that it didn't say enough about his (Criss's) creativity (which is only expected, as the article was about Banachek in the first place). Criss felt that it "made it look like he had everyone else doing everything for him." Because of this, he contacted Banachek and said that he needed to let him go.

Personally, I think the whole ordeal is completely stupid as the article that started this all was about Banachek in the first place. Which is why I state that Criss has gotten an overinflated ego.

Banachek has stated that he has put the whole issue behind him and is now ready to move on. He's a busy guy and has some great things in the work, which I'm excited for.

Oh, bettylouh, why would you believe Matt Jones without contacting Banachek first, yet you won't do the same for me? That seems a little like a double standard. Maybe it's because Matt Jones comment seems to support your idea (which it really doesn't, because it never says that Banachek wasn't fired).

I think his MAGIC is great but doing a women 20 years YOUNGER is even better. You go Criss do those younger women!!!!!

you can see this interview on the actual video on the theory 11 website 4 anybody who is interested.matt jones(the interviewer)comments that banacheck told him that he had other projects that he wanted 2 get started on.there was no mention of being fired.this is a fact.any other comments made r purely speculation.and "fallingblood",as u call yourself,so what if u started a thread,doesn't make anything you say valid.there you go again with your speculation,how do u know criss just wanted to b famous instead of entertain as u say u want 2 "only"do.maybe being famous came as a result of all his passion and hard work and tenacity and belief in himself as he has said many times...those r facts mr.white.the part where u say u do a good job is also an opinion.

I will agree with you Dustin that Criss' ego has gotten a little...up there. I'm a "loyal" and everything, but he has changed a bit.

Why did he fire Banachek?

Bettylouh- Now why did you find the need to attack my character? If you had read my other comments, I have said positive things about Criss. However, in this case, Criss firing Banachek (which you, for some unknown reason, won't accept), shows nothing more than an overinflated ego on Criss's part. Now, I don't think you can find M.U.M. anywhere, unless you are a member of the Society of American Magicians. And it's not really cost effective to become a member just so you can buy a back issue of the magazine. I've been kind enough to cite my source, as well as give you a summary of the article. You can go contact Banachek (it may take him awhile to get back to you, because he is very busy), but it would just be easier to take me at my word.

Now, for the childish shots you decided to take at me, they aren't worth a rebuttal. Yes, I am a comedian, and finding fault in myself makes me an even better comedian. I poke fun at myself all of the time. And just for your information, I don't want the fame that Criss has. I'm not in entertainment for the fame. I'm in it to entertain, and I do a great job at that.

Well said bettylouh!:D

dustin,4 a comedian ur not very funny,maybe u shouldn't spend so much time looking 4 the the negative side of others as i'm sure u have many just like the rest of us humans.sorry,am i assuming 2 much here?i will b looking 4 this mag.i hope it wont b an article written by another disgruntled magician over criss angel's success in so many area's of his life.it better be a direct quote from banacheck and then i will check with banacheck myself 2 see if he really said it.i alway's take what i hear as a grain of salt unless i know it as a fact,know matter who it's about.fault finding is never productive,especially 4 a comic.this sounds like mixing oil w/water to me.focus on yourself man,there's alway's room 4 improvement in all of us.it's obvious your not as famous as criss.is that what's really bothering u?change ur focus,maybe you'll get there some day,and with any luck,maybe the rest of us won't be subjected to ur negativity any more.TOODLES mr.queen of soap opera's of usa,or is it international?

Criss angel is the best person alve. i have been fowling him since he started his tv show and i an really in love with him. And if anyone disses him i will go blistic. I am onley 13 but i am his biggest fan ever and i am true to him. So ya. Rember Mind, Body, Spiret.
Dallis(criss lover)

bettylouh- If you have the chance, pick up the latest edition of M.U.M. Banachek states that Criss Angel fired him. It's in the Editor's Notes.

To not believe that Criss fired Banachek is simply ridiculous. You can keep believing that it didn't happen, but the fact is that Criss did; and for a very stupid reason I might add. I don't see why you want to pretend otherwise.

All I can say is that those who scream camera tricks and stooges will be made to shut it when his LIVE show starts!;)

ditto's on that dianna

It's the amazing execution of each illusion that is featured in the show that makes it a hit. The show is entertaining period. Criss puts on a great tv show. He knows how to sell himself. His team also does wonders in marketing the 'Criss Angel' image. I frankly don't care if he uses stooges and camera tricks. His approach in connecting with the audience is refreshing. I am a loyal and will remain one but I don't blindly love the guy.

Loyal Dianna

hey junior,have you ever heard the expression,"the wisdom of many"?maybe you should pick up on that idea?

as for banacheck being fired...i'd have to have proof,from banacheck's own mouth and not from other magicians that have an axe to grind w/criss.maybe they both have other venues and goals they need to accomplish and agreed to move on in their other directions.instead of focusing on how much you can't stand criss,maybe you should focus on exspanding your own horizions?jeez,and quit watching so many soap operas during the day.

I'm going to miss Banachek on Mindfreak. He's awesome.
GO Banachek!

lol, skilled artist thats a good one, banachek gone, who's going to fill in the huge magical gap, i think paul harris and jay sankey are to busy trying to build up David blaine's new special, Houchin is outta the picture, so is luke jeremy, wow, Ivanish's own ben seidman needs to step up ...that is if he's still a consultant for mindfreak...Does anyone know when the new season will air? i wonder what friend will appear on his show now, anything for ratings right? So if criss doesn't use stooges then is every video on youtube fake???? i wanted what ever his name is from pheno show to tell cris, then float then, go ahead. i would love to see banacheck, luke jeremy and wayne houchin do there own show, now that show will have "skilled artists" as kim mentioned.

lol

Loyal Kim, as an experienced magician, I can honestly tell you that criss, unfortunately uses camera tricks and stooges in his show...many camera tricks and stooges. Criss has no more talent than the average magician, not to mention an overly inflated ego. In my opinion, and not out of jealousy, I can say that criss is the worst thing to happen to magic in the last century. Most magicians know this and realize this, unfortunately the loyals are brainwashed, or dont have enough knowledge on magic to see that Criss is not a skilled magician. Banachek is more talented, creative, and amazing than criss will ever be- the fact that criss fired him shows that Criss has no respect for any other magicians.

Criss doesn't cheat while during his effects. Stooges and camera tricks are just methods that he employs to accomplish some of his goals. Now, some magicians may find this unethical, or just plain low, but it's technically not cheating.

Criss is a skilled stage magician. But when it comes to close up, he has a lot of improvement he needs. I'm just glad that Banachek is off the series though. I can't wait to see his upcoming TV projects.

welll they should just drop it
how could any one accuse criss come on
hes a skilled artist some people get on my nerves when they ruin criss reputation

truly Loyal LoyalKim

Banachek is saying that people accuse Criss of cheating during his effects to make them look more impressive and that the accusation is not true.

Criss Angel is falsely accused of using stooges in his popular series.


whattttttt i dont get this

Check out the latest issue of M.U.M. In the section that the editor writes, the whole issue is talked about. But to sum it up, Criss decided that the article about Banachek that had appeared in the February issue of M.U.M. (which had a small section on Criss and Banachek) made Criss look like a puppet, and he complained that it didn't say enough about his (Criss's) creativity. Which is extremely stupid as the article was written about Banachek in the first place. Basically, Criss just had an over inflated ego that got hurt.

Oh, and just as a side note on the link you posted. Fallingblood, the person who started that thread, is me.