Calgary gallery suing Morrisseau Estate for defamation

The Norval Morrisseau Estate Ltd. is being sued for $1.45 million by a Calgary art gallery, EA Studios. The gallery claims the estate made defamatory remarks that suggested its artworks were potentially fake. This lawsuit was filed on March 11 in Alberta's Superior Trial Court. Cory Dingle, the executive director of the Morrisseau Estate, is also named in the lawsuit. He has publicly condemned art fraud and represented the estate in discussions with buyers. EA Studios alleges that Dingle told clients their works were not authentic, damaging the gallery's reputation. According to the court documents, there was a business agreement between the gallery and the Morrisseau Estate. The gallery expected Dingle to verify the authenticity of its Morrisseau paintings. Instead, it claims Dingle discouraged buyers from trusting the gallery and pushed them to buy directly from him. The lawsuit claims the gallery hired private investigators last year after suspecting Dingle was not honoring their agreement. These investigators had conversations with Dingle, where he allegedly made statements that harmed the gallery's credibility. EA Studios has been selling Morrisseau's artwork since the 1980s and states it has a good relationship with the late artist. The gallery argues that Dingle's comments implied it was deceptive and undermined its business. In addition, the lawsuit alleges that Morrisseau's children have supported the authenticity of many fraudulent works over the years. This claim is part of a larger ongoing issue concerning art fraud linked to Morrisseau's legacy. The estate and Dingle have not yet responded with a defense in court.