Uri Geller apologises for Pokémon dispute and says it's "up to Nintendo" to bring Kadabra back
"I am truly sorry for what I did 20 years ago."
Uri Geller has finally U-turned on his decision to prevent Nintendo from using Pokémon Kadabra, saying he continues to get "tremendous volumes of emails" about it and is "truly sorry" for the dispute that flared up 20 years ago.
The Pokémon - which translates as "Yungerer" or "Yungeller" in Japanese and famously touted a spoon - disappeared in the early 2000s after Geller mounted a legal battle after he alleged the Pokémon used his likeness. He particularly took issue that the Pokémon was an "evil, occult Pokémon character" (thanks, VG247) and fought to prevent Nintendo from using it.
Now, however, it seems the illusionist has had a change of heart.
"I am truly sorry for what I did 20 years ago," Geller admitted in a tweet on his official Twitter account. "Kids and grownups I am releasing the ban. It's now all up to Nintendo to bring my kadabra pokemon card back.
"It will probably be one of the rarest cards now! Much energy and love to all!"
"Due to the tremendous volume of emails I am still getting begging me to allow Nintendo to bring back Kadabra/Yungeller,I sent [...] a letter to the chairman of Nintendo giving them permission to relaunch the Uri Geller Kadabra/Yungeller worldwide," Geller told The Gamer, adding his letter was "picked up by two Nintendo representatives."