Artist Mickalene Thomas is facing serious allegations of physical assault, emotional abuse, and financial manipulation from her former fiancée and business partner, model and art advisor Racquel Chevremont. The lawsuit, filed in New York State Supreme Court, includes claims that Thomas physically assaulted Chevremont in October 2020 and withheld millions of dollars in wages, bonuses, and other compensation over their 10-year working relationship.
Chevremont is seeking at least $14.2 million in damages, citing sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and unjust enrichment. A spokesperson for Thomas has denied the allegations, calling them false and a desperate attempt to profit off Thomas’s reputation.
The relationship between Thomas and Chevremont began in 2002, with Chevremont playing a significant role in Thomas’s early career success. They formalized their professional relationship in 2015, establishing a limited liability company to manage their collaborative works. One such work, “Racquel Reclined Wearing Purple Jumpsuit,” sold for $1.8 million at Christie’s in 2021.
According to the lawsuit, Thomas agreed to pay Chevremont a portion of the proceeds from sales of collaborative works but failed to do so. Chevremont also alleges emotional abuse and physical assault, leading to the end of their romantic relationship in October 2020.
The lawsuit further includes allegations of quid pro quo sexual harassment, with Thomas allegedly attempting to rekindle their relationship and threatening Chevremont with physical violence. In retaliation for rejecting her advances, Thomas reportedly fired Chevremont in May 2022 and engaged in a campaign to tarnish her reputation in the art world.
The legal battle between Thomas and Chevremont sheds light on the complexities of personal and professional relationships in the art world, highlighting issues of power dynamics, financial exploitation, and emotional abuse. As the case unfolds in court, the art community watches closely to see how these allegations will impact the careers of both individuals involved.
