(Hoax) Philip Morris
Philip Morris is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based costume maker who has created gorilla costumes for several films and TV shows, as well as carnival exhibits.
Morris claims to have sold a gorilla suit to Roger Patterson in August of 1967 for use in the Patterson-Gimlin film, contending that Patterson modified his suit for Bob Heironimus to wear.
Morris asserts that he was watching television in late 1967 when a television news report came on regarding the Patterson-Gimlin film. He said he shouted to his wife to come in the room and they recognized the costume. This claim is disputed, since the footage did not air on TV in Carolina for some months.
Morris claims to have made the alleged suit in six pieces and shipped it to someone in Yakima claiming to be Roger Patterson. Morris said he thought the costume was going to be used in a gag. Critics point out that Morris's assertions have been contradicted by Bob Heironimus himself, who claimed that the suit he wore was much different in design. The Morris allegations have been systematically challenged by noted sasquatch researcher Roger Knights.
Morris' account was recorded by Greg Long in his book The Making of Bigfoot.
Phillip Morris passed away Sunday, September 24, 2017, after a fight with Alzheimer's diesease.
