Art Museum Sues Former Director Over Fake Basquiat Paintings Scheme

The Orlando Museum of Art in Florida has filed a lawsuit against its former executive director and others involved in a scheme to profit from the sale of forged Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings. The museum, which exhibited the fake artworks, is seeking undisclosed damages for fraud, breach of contract, and conspiracy. The reputation of the 99-year-old museum was tarnished, resulting in probation from the American Alliance of Museums. Questions about the authenticity of the artworks arose immediately after their reported discovery in 2012. In April, a former auctioneer pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the creation of the fake artwork.