In a striking legal battle that has captured the attention of collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide, Molly McQueen, the granddaughter of legendary American actor Steve McQueen, has filed a lawsuit against South Carolina attorney Brent Borchert over the ownership of a valuable Jackson Pollock painting estimated to be worth $68 million. The dispute raises questions about the provenance and transfer of one of the most prized artworks in postwar American art history, spotlighting complex intersections of family legacy, legal contracts, and high-stakes art ownership.
The Portrait of the Dispute: Jackson Pollock and the Painting’s Provenance
Jackson Pollock, widely regarded as a pioneer of Abstract Expressionism and famous for his revolutionary "drip" painting technique, created artworks that have consistently commanded astronomical prices in the global art market. The painting at the heart of this lawsuit is considered a masterpiece within Pollock’s oeuvre and represents the enduring cultural value of his contributions.
The painting originally belonged to Steve McQueen, a cultural icon known for his cool charisma in classic films such as Bullitt (1968) and The Great Escape (1963). After McQueen’s passing in 1980, the painting was inherited by Brent Borchert’s parents along with other artworks in their Malibu residence, where Borchert grew up.
Core of the Legal Conflict: Failed Ownership Transfer
Molly McQueen’s lawsuit, filed in August 2025 in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, asserts that Steve McQueen had intended to transfer ownership of the Pollock painting in a property exchange involving a motorcycle but that the transfer was never properly completed. According to legal filings, after the motorcycle was damaged, the terms of the trade became void, and McQueen demanded the painting’s return.
Despite repeated requests, the Borchert family allegedly retained possession of the Pollock, prompting Molly McQueen to claim rightful ownership and seek immediate possession of the painting worth tens of millions of dollars. Borchert has characterized the dispute as unclear, noting that neither he nor his parents had full clarity on the details of the agreement, reflecting a familial tangle of incomplete understandings and verbal agreements Artnews.
Statements and Reactions
Brent Borchert told the Mirror newspaper that the issue “rings a vague bell” but he was born after the disputed deal and that the matter was never a topic of detailed discussion within his family. He indicated willingness to negotiate if presented with convincing evidence but expressed caution over the ambiguity surrounding the original transaction.
Neither representatives of Molly McQueen nor Borchert have publicly expanded on the dispute beyond court filings. The case is ongoing and highlights the fragility of art ownership chains reliant on informal agreements.
Legal and Market Implications
If Molly McQueen successfully asserts ownership, the painting’s transfer would clarify an important precedent about informal property exchanges involving high-value art. It underscores the importance of clear provenance documentation in the multimillion-dollar postwar and contemporary art markets, where contested ownership and inheritance claims frequently lead to litigation.
This lawsuit also throws a spotlight on the ways personal memorabilia and art interact in estates, where valuable artworks often intertwine with family histories, complicating straightforward legal resolutions HENI News, SayArt.
Steve McQueen’s Artistic Legacy
Steve McQueen’s cultural stature adds unique dimensions to the case. Known as the “King of Cool,” McQueen was an icon of American cinema and style, with a legacy that merges his artistic sensibilities with commercial success. His connection to Jackson Pollock’s work amplifies the historical resonance of this controversial dispute, drawing interest from art historians, collectors, and legal scholars alike Wikipedia: Steve McQueen.
Image Sources
-
Steve McQueen official portrait: Courtesy Getty Images
-
Representative Jackson Pollock drip paintings: Courtesy Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
-
Brent Borchert attorney portrait: Courtesy Mirror News archive (subject to rights)
Related Keywords and Anchor Text Links
FAQ
Q: What painting is at the center of the lawsuit?
A: A Jackson Pollock drip painting valued at approximately $68 million.
Q: Who is filing the lawsuit?
A: Molly McQueen, granddaughter of actor Steve McQueen.
Q: Who is being sued?
A: Brent Borchert, a South Carolina lawyer who grew up in possession of the painting.
Q: What is the basis of the dispute?
A: The ownership transfer was allegedly contingent on a motorcycle trade that fell through, leading to conflicting claims over rightful possession.
Q: Has the case been resolved?
A: No, the lawsuit is ongoing in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Q: Why is provenance important in art disputes?
A: Provenance provides the documented history of ownership, critical to establishing legal and market claims.
0 comments