Attorneys Deliver Closing Arguments in Farrah Fawcett Portrait Case

The case involves a dispute over whether Ryan O'Neal or the University of Texas should have the Andy Warhol portrait

Attorneys delivered closing arguments Monday in a case involving a dispute between actor Ryan O'Neal and the University of Texas over an Andy Warhol portrait of actress Farrah Fawcett.

Attorneys for the school argued Monday that O'Neal should hand over the portrait to the school as Fawcett wished, showing video from a "20/20" broadcast that they say supports the claim Fawcett wanted the school to have the art. But attorneys for the Oscar-nominated actor claimed O'Neal should be allowed to keep the portrait based on witnesses who testified Fawcett told them the artwork belong to O'Neal.

"I really feel Farrah would want that portrait with Ryan (O'Neal)," said Fawcett friend Jaclyn Smith during Monday's recess.

A copy of the 40-by-40-inch portrait was displayed during closing arguments.

The jury could begin deliberations later Monday.

Fawcett left her artwork to the University of Texas, but O'Neal said the portrait was a gift from Warhol and did not belong to Fawcett when the "Charlie's Angels" star died in 2009. Fawcett's gift included another version of the Warhol portrait created in 1980 for a television special on his craft aired by "20/20."

During the trial's three weeks of testimony, O'Neal testified that the portrait represents an important connection to Fawcett. Some former Fawcett collaborators, friends and a caretaker testified Fawcett told them that one of the Warhol creations belonged to O'Neal.

O'Neal testified that he brokered the deal for Warhol to make the Fawcett portrait in exchange for receiving one copy. But university attorneys pointed to "20/20" footage that showed Fawcett appearing onstage at a Houston party and telling the audience that the artist had agreed to paint her portrait.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us