In a recent development, Georges Bergès, a prominent art dealer, has ended his business relationship with Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, over unpaid bills related to art exhibitions.
Georges Bergès, who had been managing art exhibitions for Hunter Biden, claimed that he incurred significant financial losses as Hunter failed to reimburse expenses for art shipping, framing, and exhibitions. Bergès stated, "I paid for them [art shows]. I'm still bitter about a lot of that stuff." This situation was compounded by Hunter's history of unpaid debts, totaling $4.9 million in housing, car, and legal fees.
Questions about ethical practices have been raised in light of Hunter's art sales. It is known that Hunter was aware of the identities of 70% of his "anonymous" art buyers, including his lawyer Kevin Morris, a Biden administration appointee and the co-owner of Bergès' gallery. This contradicts earlier claims that Hunter was unaware of who purchased his art.
Bergès, entitled to a 40% commission on Hunter's art sales, hinted at the substantial revenue generated, suggesting that Hunter made around $900,000. This comes amid concerns of money laundering within the art industry, a topic highlighted in a 2020 Senate report. The association of the Biden family with such practices has been a topic of speculation among some Republican circles.
Bergès himself is not without controversy. His past includes charges of assault and threats in the 1990s, a bankruptcy filing in 1998, and a fraud lawsuit in 2016. Furthermore, Bergès' business ties in China mirror those of the Biden family, adding another layer of complexity to this situation.
Despite the financial strain, Bergès attempted to continue his professional relationship with Hunter. However, he ultimately decided not to renew their contract, citing the overall impact on his business. "It was a little bit more than I could chew...So I haven't agreed to renew that contract now," Bergès explained.
The White House, under President Biden, has defended Hunter's art career despite mounting ethical concerns. Hunter himself has been dismissive of critics. However, Bergès' decision not to renew the contract indicates the growing difficulties in managing the business relationship.
Representing Hunter Biden has not been without its challenges for Bergès. He expressed his frustrations with the unforeseen consequences of this business venture. "I never expected the whole security issue or the death threats and people assuming political affiliation, which was completely wrong," he said.
Reflecting on the totality of his experiences, Bergès admits that his decision to represent Hunter was not the most advantageous for his career. "It hasn't been the best decision for me," he remarked, highlighting the complexities and challenges of their business arrangement.
Bergès' testimony to Congress in about the problems related to Hunter not paying bills was a significant turning point in their business relationship. This testimony shed light on the financial and ethical issues surrounding their collaboration, further intensifying public scrutiny.
Georges Bergès, an art dealer, has ended his business dealings with Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, due to unpaid bills from art exhibitions. Bergès, who managed Hunter's art exhibitions, incurred losses from expenses like art shipping and framing and was frustrated by Hunter's history of unpaid debts, totaling $4.9 million.
Ethical concerns have arisen due to Hunter's knowledge of the identities of many of his "anonymous" art buyers, contradicting previous claims of unawareness. Bergès, who was entitled to a 40% commission on sales, hinted at substantial revenue amidst broader concerns about money laundering in the art industry. Bergès, who has faced his own controversies, including assault charges and a bankruptcy filing, chose not to renew his contract with Hunter due to the impact on his business, despite the White House's defense of Hunter's art career.
This decision highlights the growing difficulties and complexities in their business relationship, with Bergès testifying to Congress about the financial and ethical challenges involved.
