/ 1 January 2002

Did you really fly to the moon Buzz?

Buzz Aldrin, one of the first men to walk on the moon, is being investigated by police for allegedly punching a man who claimed that the whole lunar landing programme was nothing but an elaborate

hoax.

According to Beverly Hills police, Bart Sibrel (37) told them that Aldrin (72) punched him in the face outside the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive Monday after he confronted him and asked him to swear on the bible that that he had been to the moon.

Beverly Hills Police Lieutenant Gary Gilmond said he had not yet spoken to the Apollo 11 astronaut who had left the hotel by the time police arrived.

Sibrel, of Nashville, Tennessee, said he does not believe Aldrin or anyone else has ever walked on the moon and was trying to confront Aldrin about his 1969 lunar mission when he was punched.

The incident was videotaped, he said. – Sapa-DPA