Guy Wildenstein, art dealer and a government representative in New York for French citizens overseas, was charged on Wednesday in an investigation around missing artwork. He is accused of obtaining goods through an abuse of trust.

"/> Guy Wildenstein, art dealer and a government representative in New York for French citizens overseas, was charged on Wednesday in an investigation around missing artwork. He is accused of obtaining goods through an abuse of trust.

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High-profile art dealer charged in investigation

Guy Wildenstein, art dealer and a government representative in New York for French citizens overseas, was charged on Wednesday in an investigation around missing artwork. He is accused of obtaining goods through an abuse of trust.

Published: 7 July 2011 11:54 CEST

The charges stem from artworks that had been missing for almost two decades which were found by police during a search of the Wildenstein Institute in Paris in January, including an oil painting by impressionist artist Berthe Morisot valued at €800,000.

Wildenstein is the son of renowned art dealer David Wildenstein, who had a valuable collection of art and who died in 2001. His widow, Sylvia Roth, filed charges against her son-in-law before her death in November 2010. She had accused him of hiding a large part of his father’s immense fortune from tax authorities and other heirs.

The accused, who resides in New York, was released on his own recognisance, according to his lawyer.

“I welcome this situation which will allow Mr. Guy Wildenstein to defend himself and I have no doubt as to the case’s outcome,” Hervé Temime told AFP.

Ever since the death of David Wildenstein, his three heirs – Sylvie Roth and his sons, Guy and Alec – have been involved in a bitter dispute over his financial legacy.

Guy Wildenstein, who in addition to his art world activities is a businessman, racehorse owner and member of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) party, was inducted into the French Legion of Honour in 2009 by President Nicolas Sarkozy.

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French parliament to investigate sexual abuse in cinema

The Assemblée nationale unanimously agreed to set up the commission demanded by actor Judith Godreche in a speech to the upper house, the Senate, in February.

The 52-year-old actor and director has become a key figure in France’s MeToo movement since accusing directors Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. Both have denied the allegations.

All 52 lawmakers present for the vote on Thursday approved the creation of the commission, watched by Godreche, who was present in the public gallery in the chamber.

“It’s time to stop laying out the red carpet for abusers,” said Greens lawmaker Francesca Pasquini.

The new commission is to look into “the condition of minors in the various sectors of cinema, television, theatre, fashion and advertising”, as well as that of adults working in them, it said.

On the basis of Godreche’s proposal, a parliamentary commission on culture decided to extend the scope of the inquiry to also include other cultural sectors.

It is to “identify the mechanisms and failings that allow these potential abuses and violences”, “establish responsibilities” and make recommendations.

The parliament vote comes a day after actor Isild Le Besco, 41, said in an autobiography she was also raped by Jacquot during a relationship that started when she was 16, but was not ready to press charges.

Godreche, by contrast, has filed a legal complaint against the prominent arthouse director, over alleged abuse that occurred during a relationship that began when she was 14 and he was 25 years her senior.

She has also formally accused Doillon of abusing her as a 15-year-old actress in a film he directed.

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