This is a copy of the e-mail sent to Coast To Coast AM host George Noory in regard to Sean David Morton's claim of having worked on Star Trek for Gene Roddenberry. This e-mail was sent on March 21, 2003. A response was never received from George Noory:

Mr. Noory,

I am the authorized biographer of the late Gene Roddenberry. Gene chose me to tell his life story which resulted in "Star Trek Creator: The Authorized Biography of Gene Roddenberry," published by ROC an imprint of NAL/Dutton.

I write because I understand that Sean David Morton continues to claim a relationship with Gene Roddenberry. Morton has made claims of being Gene's "protege," and others, such as working on various Star Trek projects.

In the nearly three years I was friends with Gene (the last three years of his life), during the two and one-half years I spent researching and writing his biography which included an examination of his personal archive, the Star Trek Archive in the Special Collections Department of UCLA, and over 150 interviews of friends, associates, co-workers, colleagues, not once did I ever hear the name Sean David Morton.

In addition to this, Richard Arnold, Gene's long-time archivist at the studio and Susan Sackett, Gene's secretary for nearly twenty years, never heard of Morton either. To their knowledge Morton never visited Gene in his office, never worked on the film or films he claims, never was associated with Gene Roddenberry in any manner whatsoever. In addition, Gene widow, Majel Barrett Roddenberry doesn't know who Morton is, either.

In an exchange of e-mail with Morton a few years ago, I asked him about his association with Gene. What he supplied was out of sync with Gene's life - Morton claimed to have been present when Gene "suffered a nervous breakdown and was escorted off the lot by security" (an event that never happened) or that he was instrumental in Patrick Stewart gaining the role of Captain Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Robert Justman, Gene's friend and Associate Producer from the original series, took Gene to see Stewart at a local theater. Gene was against having Stewart play the role until Justman championed the unknown British actor. Morton had nothing to do with it. In this I am certain, having heard the story directly from both Justman and Stewart at various times.

Had Morton been associated in any professional manner with Gene there would have been a paper trail, someone would have mentioned his name.....certainly those closest to Gene in his many years on the Paramount lot would have known his name or suggested I interview him for my book. His name never came up at any point in the extensive research and many interviews I conducted preparitory to writing Gene's 600-page bio.

From that I can safely conclude that Sean David Morton is not telling the truth about his relationship with Gene Roddenberry and is trying to exploit the memory of a beloved American icon. You do not benefit the public by aiding Morton in his fantasy.

David Alexander
(***) phone number withheld by request