The Orlando Museum of Art has vehemently denied allegations of defamation made by its former director, Aaron De Groft, in an ongoing legal battle. De Groft’s amended lawsuit claims the museum’s board chair, Mark Elliott, made damaging public statements regarding his involvement in the 2022 Basquiat forgery scandal. However, the museum maintains that Elliott’s statements were truthful and based on factual information.
The legal dispute stems from an exhibition of disputed Basquiat works, which were later seized by authorities amid an FBI investigation. The museum initially sued De Groft and the artwork’s owners but later dropped the suit against all defendants except De Groft. He countersued, alleging wrongful termination and defamation, seeking significant damages and compensation.
The museum’s response asserts that De Groft’s claims are unfounded and that Elliott’s statements were justified, given the circumstances. The art world remains watchful as this high-stakes legal drama unfolds, raising important questions about authenticity, provenance, and accountability.
