Art Museums in Legal Battles: Lawsuits Over Forged Basquiat Paintings and Unsanctioned Expansions

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 was raided by the FBI last year, seeks 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, and in April, a former auctioneer pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the creation of the fake artwork.