HOUSTON – It seems like Tony Buzbee’s struggles with art continue, as an insurance company is asking a court to appoint a neutral umpire to resolve a dispute over a claim regarding a stolen Claude Monet painting – La Plaine de Gennevilliers, circa 1877.
In December 2017, it was widely published that Buzbee’s date for the evening went to town on his famous art collection. A Warhol was damaged but the Monet reportedly escaped unscathed.
Nearly three years later, however, Privilege Underwriters has filed a petition to appoint an umpire over the theft of Buzbee’s Monet.
The theft made headlines last year. A burglary ring stole millions of dollars in artwork from Buzbee’s River Oaks home.
According to the petition, Buzbee submitted a theft claim for loss, but the parties named appraisers have been unable to reach an agreement on a neutral umpire to resolve any differences.
“Under the express provisions of the policy, Plaintiff has the right to request that the selection of an umpire be made by a judge … in the state where the insured valuable articles are located,” the suit states. “Plaintiff asks that the Court appoint an umpire to resolve any disputes between the appraiser relative to the Defendant’s claim.”
Privilege Underwriters proposed three umpires to the court – Mark Prendergast, Judge Kathy Stone and Judge John Wooldridge.
The company is represented by Phelps Dunbar attorney Mark Dodart.
Filed in Harris County District Court, case No. 2020-72115.