Performance artist Marina Abramović is being sued by her former creative and romantic partner Frank Uwe Laysiepen, known as Ulay. Ulay alleges that Abramović violated a 1999 contract by failing to share royalties and credit for collaborative works they created together. He claims Abramović has omitted his name from attributions and provided inaccurate sales statements, paying him only four times in 16 years. Abramović's lawyer has dismissed the allegations, and the case may be heard in Amsterdam district court.
This lawsuit matters because it challenges the historical narrative and financial legacy of one of performance art's most famous collaborations. The dispute over authorship and royalties for iconic works could reshape how joint artistic partnerships are credited and compensated. It also adds to a difficult year for Abramović, who faced a separate controversy over a promised donation from Jay Z, and highlights ongoing tensions around intellectual property and recognition in the art world.