I don't think the author's argument was well-supported. I think it is more likely it was coincidence. In general, coincidences often seem contrived. There are countless photographs Paul McCartney has given to fans. If they were close enough for him to see, then it makes the occasion possible whether he recognized them or not. Hero-worship by a fan is a special thing, "wow, is there anything he can't do?" They're not exactly being objective, and everything the hero does becomes miraculous. Everyone has idiosyncrasies, and famous people are constantly observed, so every little thing they do becomes notable to the fanatic. "Look at the way he holds his fork!"