Chico Xavier

Chico Xavier was a Brazilian spiritualist medium and claimed psychic healer. He was a major figure in the Spiritism religion.

Over a period of sixty years Xavier produced over four hundred books, all of which he claimed were actually written by spirits. He termed this style of writing "psychography". He is also known for his abnegation and charity work.

Controversies
A fellow medium and close associate of his,, is sometimes quoted as having exposed him as a fraud, although this is subject to debate.

Xavier would receive information about his clients from staff at his spiritist center (Centro Espírita Luiz Gonzaga). According to an article in the Skeptical Inquirer:

There are also embarrassing photographs of Xavier with another medium Otília Diogo dressed in white bed sheets as a spirit.

Despite the fakery of this case, Xavier has retained a strong following in Brazil and is still supported as the real deal by some modern parapsychology cranks. Guy Lyon Playfair wrote an entire book about Xavier describing him as a "hero" and the "medium of the century". Go figure.