Perelman's 'Popeye' Spurs Accusations Of Secret Deals At Gallery

Does Gagosian Have A History Of Secret Deals?
MOSOW, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 18: Larry Gagosian attends the Gagosian Gallery Opening of 'for what you are about to receive' at the Chocolate Factory on September 17, 2008 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Gagosian Gallery)
MOSOW, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 18: Larry Gagosian attends the Gagosian Gallery Opening of 'for what you are about to receive' at the Chocolate Factory on September 17, 2008 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Gagosian Gallery)

Gallery owner Larry Gagosian is accused in two lawsuits, including one brought by billionaire Ron Perelman over a $4 million sculpture named "Popeye," of using his position in the art world to negotiate secret deals, push clients around and manipulate prices for contemporary works.

Gagosian "took advantage of his position of trust" to force his longtime friend Perelman to buy "Popeye," a granite sculpture of the cartoon character by Jeff Koons for $4 million, Perelman said in his Sept. 12 suit in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan.

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