Real Housewives of New York City star Racquel Chevremont has filed a $10 million lawsuit against her ex-fiancée, renowned artist Mickalene Thomas. The legal action was filed in New York State Supreme Court on August 8, 2025, marking a dramatic turn in what was once considered a power couple in the art world.
Chevremont, who appears on season 15 of the Bravo reality series, claims that Thomas subjected her to years of financial misconduct and workplace harassment. The lawsuit targets both Thomas and her business entity, Mickalene Thomas LLC. The two women had been in a romantic relationship for nearly a decade before breaking up in 2020, but continued working together professionally until 2022.
The court documents allege that Chevremont faced “exploitation, nonpayment, and unlawful conduct” throughout their business relationship from 2012 to 2022. According to Page Six, Chevremont contributed significantly to Thomas’s artistic and commercial success, acting as a strategic advisor and liaison to galleries, collectors, and institutions. However, she claims she was paid improperly for more than a decade despite having a written agreement that took effect on January 1, 2021.
Financial disputes and business allegations
The lawsuit centers on claims that Thomas failed to properly compensate Chevremont for her work. Court documents state that Chevremont was entitled to 20 percent of any sales she helped commission. The filing alleges that Thomas “illegally diverted significant funds and business opportunities” from their jointly-owned entity, Deux Femmes Noires, to her own separate LLC.
RHONY Star Racquel Chevremont Sues Ex-Fiancée & Artist Mickalene Thomas for $10M Over Harassment and
— The Gworls Are Fighting (@baddietvv) August 19, 2025
Unpaid Work..
Real Housewives of New York newcomer Racquel Chevremont is taking legal action against her ex-fiancée, celebrated artist Mickalene Thomas, alleging harassment,… pic.twitter.com/A1rmvHf6KK
The financial stakes are significant in the art world where Thomas operates. One notable example is Thomas’s 2016 portrait of Chevremont titled “Racquel Reclining Wearing Purple Jumpsuit,” which sold for $1.8 million at a Christie’s evening sale in 2021. This sale illustrates the high-value nature of the art deals that Chevremont claims she helped facilitate but was not properly compensated for.
Beyond financial disputes, the lawsuit also includes serious allegations of sexual harassment and workplace retaliation. Chevremont claims that after their personal relationship ended in 2020, Thomas created a hostile and abusive work environment. The filing alleges that Thomas repeatedly pressured Chevremont to resume their romantic relationship and ultimately terminated her employment when she refused. This behavior allegedly violated New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws. The case adds to a growing list of legal troubles involving reality TV personalities and highlights ongoing issues within the entertainment industry regarding workplace conduct and sexual harassment allegations.
Background of the relationship
Chevremont and Thomas first met in 2002 when Chevremont worked in acquisitions at the Studio Museum in Harlem and Thomas was the artist in residence. They began dating in 2011 when they reconnected in Paris, with Thomas doing a residency at Monet’s estate in Giverny, France. Both were married to other people at the time they began their relationship.
The couple launched their joint venture, Deux Femmes Noires, in 2018 to provide a platform for women, people of color, and queer artists. They became engaged in 2019 after Thomas proposed on New Year’s Eve. However, their relationship ended in 2020 following a joint exhibition at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill in the Hamptons. Chevremont is now engaged to Mel Corpus, a forensic neuropsychologist, and continues to work as an art curator and model while appearing on Real Housewives of New York City.
