Art Advisor Lawsuit Reveals Unethical Practices
A lawsuit has emerged that paints a troubling picture of Barbara Guggenheim, a well-known art advisor who has worked with prominent figures like Tom Cruise and Sylvester Stallone. Allegations suggest that she behaved unethically, engaging in relationships with clients while also reportedly receiving kickbacks and pressuring her former partner to finalize deals.
Barbara Guggenheim, aged 78, seemingly distanced from her famous museum family, is accused of advising her then-employee, Abigail Usher, to adopt a provocative image and suggested that Usher should only visit clients if she was prepared for intimate encounters.
Abigail Usher, now 61, claims she faced exploitation and intimidation from Guggenheim for nearly four decades. In court documents, Usher noted that Guggenheim had spied on her and falsely accused her of embezzling over $20 million from their company, something that has raised eyebrows.
Usher pointed out that ethical guidelines for art advisors strongly discourage any sexual involvement with other professionals involved in transactions. “It goes without saying,” she asserted in the lawsuit, emphasizing that Guggenheim breached this crucial rule.
Upon joining Guggenheim in 1987, Usher mentioned feeling threatened by Guggenheim, who apparently hinted at having a “secret weapon” that could be used against her. The two had initially agreed in 1995 to share profits equally, but Usher contended that she significantly outperformed Guggenheim, generating around $20 million in sales over the past decade.
Usher also alleged that Guggenheim charged their company outrageous expenses, such as a $3,000 dance lesson, an $8,000 spa trip in California, and a staggering $36,000 for a funeral. The list goes on, including costs for extravagant parties and automotive services, adding up to over $400,000.
Additionally, Guggenheim was noted for sending erratic and difficult-to-understand emails, a sign of what might be described as severe mental decline.
In 2023, the duo restructured their business model. Instead of splitting profits and expenses equally, they each started working on their respective incomes, a shift that reportedly led Guggenheim’s finances into a downward spiral.
This is not the first time Guggenheim has faced allegations of fraud. In 1989, she was sued by Stallone in Los Angeles for allegedly deceiving him in a $1.7 million artwork sale. According to Usher, Guggenheim was also involved with another man during this transaction.
Stallone claimed the artwork was nowhere near worth what he had paid, although the matter was eventually resolved.
Fast forward to August 2024, Guggenheim filed her lawsuit against Usher, accusing her of misappropriating over $20 million and covertly starting a competing business.
This latest lawsuit against Usher has been described by her attorney as an act of retaliation from a disgruntled former partner, as Guggenheim refused to retract her claims. Usher is filing for unspecified damages, while Guggenheim seeks over $20 million in return.
