Top advisor Barbara Guggenheim slept with clients: Lawsuit

A shocking lawsuit has been filed against a prominent art advisor, Barbara Guggenheim, accusing her of unethical and abusive behavior. Guggenheim, who has worked with celebrities like Tom Cruise and Sylvester Stallone, is alleged to have engaged in inappropriate actions such as sleeping with clients and dealers, receiving kickbacks, and even encouraging her former partner, Abigail Asher, to engage in sexual activities to close deals.

The lawsuit, filed by Asher, claims that she was exploited, controlled, and threatened by Guggenheim for nearly 40 years before the two decided to part ways in 2023. However, Guggenheim allegedly continued to spy on Asher and falsely accused her of stealing over $20 million from their company. Asher also claimed that Guggenheim had a history of violating ethical boundaries by becoming sexually involved with art dealers and experts on the opposite side of deals she was orchestrating for clients.

Throughout their partnership, Asher alleges that Guggenheim would use her then-husband, Hollywood attorney Bert Fields, as a means of intimidation whenever Asher raised concerns about Guggenheim’s behavior. Despite agreeing to evenly share the company’s profits and expenses, Asher claims that she was responsible for generating a significant portion of the revenue, including nearly $20 million in deals during their last decade together.

Asher also accused Guggenheim of charging exorbitant expenses to their company, including dance lessons, spa trips, an African safari, a funeral, a party at a prestigious restaurant, and car services. Additionally, Guggenheim’s erratic behavior and incomprehensible emails were cited as evidence of a decline in mental stability that further strained their relationship.

The lawsuit also brings to light a previous legal dispute involving Guggenheim, where Sylvester Stallone sued her for fraud in 1989. Stallone alleged that he had purchased a painting from Guggenheim’s associate, Stuart Pivar, which had been misrepresented and overpriced. The case was eventually settled out of court.

In response to the allegations, Guggenheim filed her own lawsuit against Asher in 2024, accusing her of misappropriating funds and starting a competing business without her knowledge. Asher’s attorney, Luke Nikas, dismissed Guggenheim’s claims as retaliation and defended Asher’s decision to file the lawsuit after uncovering the extent of Guggenheim’s misconduct.

The legal battle between Guggenheim and Asher continues, with Asher seeking unspecified damages and Guggenheim seeking over $20 million in damages. Guggenheim’s attorney has refuted the allegations as “libelous nonsense” and questioned why Asher continued to work with Guggenheim for nearly 40 years if the misconduct was as severe as claimed.