> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.artwalkway.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Former Orlando Museum Director Aaron De Groft, Linked to Basquiat Forgery Scandal, Dies at 59
- URL: https://www.artwalkway.com/former-orlando-museum-director-basquiat-forgery-dies/
- Published: 2025-01-27T22:48:37.000Z
- Updated: 2025-01-27T22:48:37.000Z
- Description: Known for his controversial role in the Basquiat forgery scandal, which led to an FBI raid and legal battles, his death comes amid ongoing fallout from the case that shook the art world.
- Author: ART News
- Tags: Latest Art News

In a dramatic twist to one of the art world's most controversial sagas, **Aaron De Groft**, the former director of the **Orlando Museum of Art** embroiled in the **Basquiat forgery scandal**, has passed away at **59**. De Groft, who resigned in **2022** after the **FBI raided the museum** over the exhibition of **25 allegedly forged Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings**, died following a **brief illness**.

The **forged Basquiat paintings**, reportedly discovered in a **storage locker decades after the artist’s death**, triggered skepticism due to anomalies like a **FedEx logo** that didn’t exist until years after **Basquiat’s passing**. De Groft had staunchly defended the exhibit’s **authenticity**, even after evidence suggested otherwise.

The **FBI seized the works in 2022**, later uncovering that the pieces were created by Los Angeles auctioneer **Michael Barzman** and an accomplice. **Barzman pleaded guilty in 2023** to fabricating the paintings and falsely attributing them to Basquiat.

[Fake Basquiat Payout?Insurance companies deny a $19.7 million claim over seized fake Basquiat paintings, citing no value in counterfeits.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/67/ce6755e5-3cd4-455d-bb45-9007241988ef/content/images/icon/ART-Walkway-Favicon-1--59.png)ART WalkwayART News![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/67/ce6755e5-3cd4-455d-bb45-9007241988ef/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1637763723578-79a4ca9225f7-1)](https://www.artwalkway.com/fake-basquiat-payout/)

De Groft’s tenure and abrupt departure left the Orlando Museum embroiled in **lawsuits**. The institution accused him of **fraud** and **conspiracy**, while De Groft counterclaimed for **wrongful termination**, alleging he was scapegoated for decisions made collectively by the **board** and **legal advisors**.

His death closes a controversial chapter but leaves lingering questions about **accountability** in the **high-stakes art world**, where even institutions can become entangled in **deception**.

**ART Walkway News**

---