Alleged Early Facebook Contract Revealed

The lawyer representing Paul Ceglia, a New York man who claims to own an 84 percent stake in Facebook, has provided a copy of the contract signed with the name of co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

In an statement, Facebook says that "Mark has made it clear that Ceglia's claims are absurd and we strongly suspect the contract is forged." It also pointed out that Ceglia was indicted for fraud in 2009.

However, Ceglia's attorney Paul Argentieri told Wired that "I understand the question and people’s suspicions, but I think the public will be satisfied when the entire story comes out." He also said he wondered if Zuckerberg hasn't been honest with the company about the site's founding.

There are certainly lingering questions about how much of the company's founding is myth -- Facebook reportedly gave a group of Zuckerberg's former Harvard colleagues stakes in the company as part of a settlement over an ownership dispute.

The company says that Argentieri has sought a settlement in the case, however Argentieri denies that claim.

Regardless, it could prove a moot point, as the six years that have transpired since the alleged contract was signed might invalidate any claims.

Jackson West has to admit, it all does seem a little outlandish.