Introduction to the Lawsuit
John Bonafede, a performance artist who participated in Marina Abramović’s 2010 exhibition, ‘The Artist is Present,’ at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), is taking legal action against the institution. Bonafede alleges that MoMA failed to prevent instances of sexual assault directed at him during the exhibition, specifically during Abramović’s notorious performance piece, Imponderabilia.
Seven Instances of Assault During Imponderabilia
In the legal complaint submitted to a New York State court, Bonafede details seven cases of sexual assault involving five older individuals. These incidents occurred during his participation in Imponderabilia, a performance piece where two nude performers stand in a doorway, forcing the public to pass between them and choose which one to face. The artist claims that each “older man” would pivot towards him, dropping their hand to fondle and grope his genitalia, lingering for a moment before moving to the next gallery room.
MoMA’s Alleged Knowledge and Inaction
Bonafede asserts that MoMA had actual knowledge of ongoing sexual assaults against its worker-performers but intentionally and negligently failed to take corrective action to prevent the assaults from recurring. The artist is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, and reimbursement of attorney fees, emphasizing the emotional distress, substantial harm to mental health, body, image, and career resulting from the endured sexual assaults.
Legal Basis and the New York Adult Survivors Act
Initiating legal action under the New York Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily eliminated the time restriction for filing sexual assault cases, Bonafede filed the lawsuit within the specified timeframe. The legal complaint underscores the impact of the assaults on his well-being and highlights that he initially chose to remain silent to avoid negative consequences.
Wider Implications and Expiry of Filing Window
As the legal filing window approached its expiration date, there was a surge of lawsuits accusing well-known personalities, such as Sean “Diddy” Combs and Russell Brand, of sexual assault or misconduct. Bonafede’s case adds to the broader conversation about sexual assault awareness and accountability in the art world.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Reuters
Whether writing about complex technical topics or breaking news stories, my writing is always clear, concise, and engaging. My dedication to my craft and passion for storytelling have earned me a reputation as a highly respected article writer.