‘I escaped Covid for three years but now I have it!’ Tim Burton pulls out of own exhibition opening in Malaysia as he apologises to fans
Tim Burton has pulled out of attending the opening ceremony for his own exhibition after testing positive for COVID-19.
The filmmaker, 64, had been due to appear at the Pavillion Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to launch The World of Tim Burton on Tuesday, featuring over 540 items from his personal collection.
But in a YouTube video posted that day, Tim told fans he hopes they enjoy the show and that he will try his best to visit following his recovery.
He had charged devotees 500 MYR (£91.16) for VIP packages, which included a copy of the book The Art Of Tim Burton, as well as a book signing session and other merchandise.
However, VIP ticketholders have now been offered a virtual masterclass, which has been postponed to April 14, along with a 10 minute meet-and-greet instead.
‘I escaped Covid for three years but now I have it!’ Tim Burton has pulled out of attending the opening ceremony for his own exhibition after testing positive for COVID-19
Exciting: The filmmaker, 64, had been due to appear in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to launch The World of Tim Burton on Tuesday, featuring over 540 items from his personal collection
They will also be sent personalised autographs from The Charlie And The Chocolate Factory director.
In his video message, Tim said: ‘Hello Kuala Lumpur, this is Tim Burton. I was going to be there, I had my bags all packed to come but I got Covid.
‘I escaped Covid for three years but now I have it so unfortunately I can’t be there with you but I hope you enjoy this show and I hope to come there sometime soon because I really, really wanted to come there but please enjoy the show, thank you.’
The organiser’s statement read: ‘We at Toybox Projects would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused in this regard and we take this opportunity to thank the fans, sponsors, and media for being patient and understanding.
‘The World of Tim Burton pop-up museum and exhibition remains unchanged and will be available to the public from March 21 to July 30, 2023.
The exhibition manager also apologised to fans, writing: ‘We are devastated to share this news with you but we have received news that Mr. Tim Burton will no longer be able to travel to Kuala Lumpur due to Covid-related illness.
‘We know this will come as an enormous disappointment to those who had hoped to catch a glimpse of him at the opening of The World of Tim Burton, however the health of Mr. Burton is our top priority.
‘We are thrilled however, that the exhibition looks wonderful and knows that his fans will understand and be grateful for the opportunity to view the artworks and be immersed in his world.’
MailOnline has contacted Tim’s representative for further comment.
Oh no! But in a YouTube video posted that day, Tim told fans he hopes they enjoy the show and that he will try his best to visit following his recovery
Upset: In his video message, Tim said: ‘Hello Kuala Lumpur, this is Tim Burton. I was going to be there, I had my bags all packed to come but I got Covid’
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