Judy Garland's Ruby Slippers Auctioned for $28 Million

The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in 'The Wizard of Oz,' stolen in 2005, are set to be auctioned off, with estimates suggesting they could fetch over $3 million. Heritage Auctions reported that online bidding had already reached $1.55 million prior to the live auction. The slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, when Terry Jon Martin broke in, and their whereabouts remained unknown until they were recovered by the FBI in 2018. Martin was indicted in May 2023 and pleaded guilty in October 2023, receiving a sentence of time served due to health issues. This auction has attracted significant attention, particularly following the buzz surrounding the recent release of 'Wicked,' a film adaptation related to the original story. The auction highlights both the iconic status of the slippers and their tumultuous history, making it a significant event for fans and collectors alike.