Billionaire developer Harry Macklowe [TRDataCustom] says he funded the art collection he owns with estranged wife Linda, so it should be considered a joint marital property.
The collection, estimated to be worth $1 billion, is in Linda’s name, the New York Post reported. Macklowe left Linda, his wife of nearly 60 years, in 2016 for museum director Patricia Landeau.
Macklowe offered Linda $1 billion to walk away from their marriage, but she refused. The pair has no prenup, and they are now fighting over their fortunes in a nasty divorce proceeding.
In depositions, according to the Post, Macklowe denied rumors he owns a Roy Lichtenstein painting that’s up for auction Wednesday. The painting, “Red and White Brushstrokes,” is worth around $35 million, and was reportedly owned previously by Landau’s former husband.
But Macklowe swore under oath he does not have any financial interest in the painting, according to the Post. [NYP] — Miriam Hall