The longtime mistress of a famous married Manhattan art gallerist ignored him, starved him to death and tried to steal his $50 million fortune, his family alleges in court documents.
Pierre Levais, nephew of Frank Lloyd, co-founder of the famous Marlborough Gallery, died in June. At 87 years oldBut his final months were a painful blur at the hands of his wife and son, Marcia Levine, who was sued in a harrowing lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Rubai had not eaten for three weeks and was in critical condition with septic shock and a number of other medical problems by the time he was admitted to a Florida hospital in April, his family said.
“MS. Levine recklessly caused Pierre's death. Therefore, according to New York State's so-called “murderer rule,” Ms. Levine was disqualified from profiting from the death of her would-be benefactor. Max LeVay, who owns a 26-acre horse ranch in Montauk, said in court documents. .
She was due to inherit $3 million, according to court documents.
Both sides are The case has been fought in Florida courts since Levi's death in June.Mr. Levine claimed that Mr. Levie, who owns three apartments in Manhattan and a house in northern Germantown, is actually a resident of Florida, records show, but the claim was not resolved in court in November. rejected by the official. Law.com first reported the dispute over the $50 million estate.
For decades, Levi led a decidedly glamorous life.
The art dealer amassed a fortune after opening a New York branch in Marlborough in 1963. While married to his wife Rosi for 55 years, he had at least two lovers by his side, including a woman living in France and Marcia Levine, one of his longtime employees.
And everyone was fine with the arrangement.
“I accepted Pierre's romantic relationship and [I] Through them, the marriage continued. Pierre and I remained on friendly terms and I played an important role in managing Pierre's care up until the time of his death,'' Rosi Levi said in court documents.
The couple, who have two adult children, had been living apart since 2012, but as Rubai's physical and cognitive abilities declined, he needed a 24-hour home health aide and Rosi became his primary caregiver. said in the lawsuit.
It is said that Mr. Levi had not eaten for three weeks before being taken to the hospital. Alan – Stock.adobe.com
But now that dementia has left him unable to protect himself, his wife and girlfriend collaborate and communicate frequently, and in November 2023, he and Levine travel to Miami for their annual winter vacation. Until I go, Rosi said.
Days after the sick 80-year-old man arrived in the Sunshine State with a suitcase, clothes and medicine, Levine began isolating him from his family and allegedly tried to change his estate plan, according to the complaint. Ru.
Levi had always intended to return to New York, where his new apartment near Rosi was in the middle of being renovated. but Mr. Levai “never intends to return,” according to court documents.
After about a month, “Marcia began keeping secrets from me about Pierre's condition . . . and tried to take advantage of Pierre's weakened and demented state,” Rosi Levi said in her complaint against Levine. stated in court documents.
Levine refused to communicate with or see her son, the lawsuit alleges. Joe Schildhorn/BFA / Shutterstock
Mr. Levine refused to contact or meet with Rosi or her son, Max. I took control of his cell phone. He allegedly forced her to buy a $7 million Miami apartment and fabricated property documents with the help of a lawyer, which her family claimed went against her lifelong wishes.
Levine, who was said to be working with a Florida attorney named Paul Cowan, refused to remove LeVine from life support for several weeks “against Pierre's express wishes,” the family alleges. did.
According to court documents, “As a result of Cowan and Marcia's shameful and dishonest conduct, Pierre was bound to his bed for several weeks in severe pain, unable to speak to his family or enjoy pain-free moments.” It is said that
“Everyone who knew the couple knows that they had a very loving and mutually supportive relationship for decades, and they would never do anything to hurt each other.” A source close to Levine told the Post. “She and her legal team look forward to discussing this matter in court.”
