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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Justin Rohrlich

NYC socialite claims she’s being extorted over a $30million painting. It’s just the latest in her scandal-ridden life

JeanMichel Basquiat Andy Warhol Lawsuit New York
Libbie Mugrabi is embroiled in yet another brutal lawsuit, this time over a painting - (Provided)

A controversial New York City socialite who once showed up to family court in a bulletproof vest for fear her billionaire ex-husband sent a Russian hitwoman to kill her, is suing a pair of art world nemeses she claims secretly undermined her planned sale of a multimillion-dollar Jean-Michel Basquiat painting — as she simultaneously faces foreclosure on her 7,200 square-foot Hamptons manse.

“Jean-Michel sold this directly through Annina Nosei Gallery in ‘82 for $1,500,” she told The Independent, pegging its present-day value at some $30m. “I have the original receipt.”

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