Sylvia Browne - James Randi Feud

James Randi Feud

James Randi, a retired stage magician turned investigator of paranormal claims, has been a vocal critic of Browne. On September 3, 2001, Browne stated on Larry King Live that she would accept the James Randi Educational Foundation's $1,000,000 challenge to demonstrate supernatural abilities in a controlled scientific test.

Despite accepting Randi's challenge, Browne never took the test, citing various reasons, including that she was unable to contact Randi, that she does not need or want the money, that neither Randi nor the JREF has $1,000,000, that Randi would not put the money in escrow and that she has "nothing to prove" to Randi.

Some have questioned the logical inconsistency of not being interested in the money but at the same time requiring proof of its existence. In addition, Randi demonstrates that the money is held by an independent investment firm, Goldman Sachs, and that proof of its existence can be obtained by requesting a copy of the most recent account statement from the JREF, by telephone, fax, letter, or e-mail. Though a few persons have requested and received copies of the documentation, no request has ever come from Browne.

Browne retorts that the JREF refuses to put the money into escrow, a decision that she says implies that the money does not exist. Randi originally defended the decision, highlighting challenge rules which clearly state that the money will not be placed in escrow. However, Randi decided to make an exception for Browne in late 2003, declaring that the money will be placed in escrow and proposing Browne supporters Larry King or Montel Williams as suitable escrow agents. Though formal letters were mailed to both King and Williams notifying them of their nomination as possible escrow agents, neither made a reply. Browne never accepted nor acknowledged Randi's exception concerning the escrow matter.

After making this announcement, Randi stated on his website, "We have now met each and every objection made by Sylvia Browne, except that she does not like me."

Browne's website posted a message sometime after August 1, 2005 stating that Browne never received confirmation of the existence of the million dollars. Browne suggested that perhaps Randi sent the package to her previous business address, but Randi's May 30, 2003, weekly newsletter indicates the documents were mailed over two years before the date Browne said she relocated. Randi said he has a certified mail receipt from the U.S. Postal Service (Certified Mail item #7003 0500 0002 3034 8133) indicating that the package was refused by Browne at 12:08 p.m. on May 22, 2003.