SOUTHFIELD
Expert linked to gallery accused of defamation

An expert associated with a local art gallery has been named in a third-party complaint filed in U.S. District Court, accused of making "false and defamatory" statements against an Arizona art tagging operation. The suit alleges Bernard Ewell of Santa Fe, who works with Park West Gallery, "maintained a vicious attack on Fine Art Registry" through his Web site and blog. Park West filed a counter defamation lawsuit against several individuals and Fine Arts Registry, claiming it was the subject of an online "cyber smear." Earlier this year, The Detroit News reported lawsuits and allegations involving Park West dealing in fraudulent sales of artwork aboard cruise ships and violating the federal racketeering act.