Steve McQueen’s Granddaughter Sues Lawyer over $68 Million Jackson Pollock Painting: A Tale of Art, Legacy, and Legal Battle

In a compelling development that intertwines Hollywood legacy with the high-stakes art world, Molly McQueen, the granddaughter of legendary actor Steve McQueen, has initiated a lawsuit against a South Carolina lawyer over the ownership of a Jackson Pollock painting valued at $68 million. The legal dispute, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in August 2025, centers around a decades-old oral agreement and a priceless artwork whose provenance has sparked heated controversy.

Background: A Painting Loved by ‘The King of Cool’

Steve McQueen, fondly dubbed the “King of Cool,” was not only a cinematic icon but also an avid art collector with a keen eye for groundbreaking modern art. Among the treasured pieces in his possession was a Jackson Pollock artwork that he acquired during the prime of his career.

The disputed painting, estimated at $68 million, was reportedly part of a barter deal in the 1970s between McQueen and the lawyer’s parents involving a motorcycle trade. However, the motorcycle was crashed, and the formal exchange of the painting’s ownership was never completed according to court documents.

The Legal Claim and the Disputed Ownership

Molly McQueen’s lawsuit asserts that her grandfather, Steve McQueen, never relinquished ownership of the Pollock painting and demanded its return when the deal fell through. The painting remained with the lawyer's family after the passing of his parents in Malibu, California.

The suit alleges that the lawyer, Brent Borchert, who inherited the photograph along with the collection, has refused to return the painting despite McQueen’s demands. The case raises complex legal questions about oral contracts, statutes of limitations, and art provenance, given the passage of decades since the original agreement.

Borchert has publicly stated some uncertainty about the original deal, recalling a vague conversation with his mother involving the painting and a motorcycle. Yet, he expresses willingness to negotiate should convincing evidence surface, though he maintains skepticism about the lawsuit’s validity ARTnews Coverage.

The Significance of the Artwork

Jackson Pollock, a towering figure in Abstract Expressionism, revolutionized visual art with his drip technique and emotive canvases. His works today command extraordinary prices, highlighted by the 2016 private sale of Number 17A for $200 million.

Owning a Pollock piece of this magnitude places the dispute at the highest levels of the global art market, adding pressure and attention to the legal proceedings. The painting’s cultural and financial value fuels a broader discussion on art ownership, inheritance rights, and the responsibilities involved in stewarding masterpieces across generations Artnet Art Market Commentary.

Broader Context: Art Disputes and the Law

Art ownership disputes are increasingly common as artworks become valuable family legacies. Oral agreements, especially in prior decades, often complicate provenance trails and legal clarity.

In California, where the lawsuit is filed, oral contracts typically have a statute of limitations of two years, which poses challenges here given the decades-long gap. However, claims of ongoing concealment or failure to return property can influence legal strategies.

The case draws parallels with other high-profile art legal battles, underscoring the importance of formalized documentation and the evolving frameworks governing art transactions and inheritance disputes Law360 Art & Cultural Heritage Coverage.

Impact on Steve McQueen’s Legacy and Public Interest

Steve McQueen’s status as a cultural and cinematic icon amplifies public interest. Fans and art lovers alike watch closely as the outcome may affect how celebrity art collections are managed and contested.

Molly McQueen’s pursuit is seen by many as a fight to protect family heritage and uphold rightful ownership of an irreplaceable masterpiece, intertwining personal legacy with historic art significance.

References for Further Reading

• Detailed reporting by ArtNews on the lawsuit and painting’s provenance: ArtNews

• Jackson Pollock’s role and auction history on Artnet

• Legal perspectives on art disputes from Law360: Law360

• Background on Steve McQueen’s life and legacy: Biography.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the nature of the lawsuit involving the Jackson Pollock painting?
A1: Molly McQueen is suing a lawyer who inherited a Jackson Pollock painting allegedly gifted by her grandfather under an incomplete barter agreement.

Q2: What arguments exist regarding the painting’s ownership?
A2: The lawsuit claims Steve McQueen never relinquished ownership due to the failed motorcycle trade, while the lawyer questions the clarity and existence of this oral agreement.

Q3: How valuable is the disputed Pollock painting?
A3: The painting is valued at approximately $68 million, marking it as a highly significant work both culturally and financially.

Q4: What legal challenges complicate the case?
A4: The case presents challenges related to oral contracts, statutes of limitations, and proving rightful possession decades after the fact.

Q5: Has there been any public comment from involved parties?
A5: The lawyer has expressed openness to reasonable negotiation but remains skeptical of the claim without concrete evidence.

Q6: How are art ownership disputes generally handled?
A6: They typically require detailed provenance documentation, negotiations, and sometimes court rulings depending on contract validity and property law.

This lawsuit is emblematic of the complex intersection of art, family legacy, and law, capturing the imagination of both the art world and public at large. As this story unfolds, it will undoubtedly influence discussions around art ownership and inheritance rights in the modern era.