In a dramatic legal move that has sent shockwaves through the music industry, Apollonia Kotero, the iconic co-star of Prince's seminal 1984 film 'Purple Rain', has filed a high-stakes lawsuit against the late artist's estate.
The suit, filed in Los Angeles, alleges a systematic failure to pay owed royalties from the film's enduring success and the unauthorised exploitation of her name and likeness for almost four decades.
At the Heart of the Dispute
Court documents reveal that Kotero's claims are twofold. Primarily, she asserts she has never received a single royalty statement or payment from the film's profits, despite her contract stipulating a share of the net profits. Secondly, she contends that Prince's estate has continued to commercially benefit from her image without consent, using her likeness and the 'Apollonia' character on a vast array of merchandise, including vinyl re-releases, memorabilia, and even a new generation of perfumes.
A Legacy Exploited?
The lawsuit paints a picture of profound frustration. Kotero, who was catapulted to global fame by the role, states she has been "effectively cut out of the financial success of the film" for forty years. Her legal team argues that the estate's actions constitute a blatant case of copyright infringement and a violation of her right to publicity.
This legal battle throws a new, contentious light on the stewardship of Prince's vast legacy, raising questions about the treatment of the collaborators who helped build it.
The Estate's Next Move
As of now, representatives for Prince's estate have not issued a public statement regarding the litigation. The case promises to delve into complex, decades-old contractual agreements and could set a significant precedent for how estates manage the likeness and contributions of associated artists. The music world watches intently as this royal feud over a purple reign begins.
