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Aviva Drescher Extortion: Former 'RHONY' Star Accused Of Extorting $5,000 From Artist [Video]

By Lindsay Cronin l.cronin@celebeat.com | Sep 16, 2014 10:13 AM EDT

Aviva Drescher is in hot water after reportedly extorting a New York-based artist.

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On Monday, word hit the web, claiming Drescher, formerly of The Real Housewives of New York City, was holding five pieces of art “hostage” in an attempt to extort $5,000 from artist Matthew Satz.

In his $500,000 lawsuit, Satz said he ​loaned Drescher the paintings, which were to be hung in her Upper West Side apartment during the taping of The Real Housewives of New York City, after being promised “that his works would receive extensive coverage during tapings of her show and that the exposure would be beneficial​,”​ according to Page Six.

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However, their plan took an odd turn when Drescher revealed plans to sell one of the paintings, known as the "Pink Smoke Painting," for $50,000, and demanding a commission for doing so.

Drescher even reportedly went as far as to raise the price for the buyer by $10,000 in an effort to convince Satz to sell. Drescher then dropped the price several more times -- but insisted she be able to keep two of the five paintings, worth a total of $22,​​500​, the suit claimed​.

Satz's attorney, Andrew Weinstein, alleged in court documents that the Dreschers “have steadfastly refused to allow [Satz] to retrieve his artworks” and are holding “five original artworks ‘hostage’ unless and until he pays them their repeatedly demanded ‘ransom.'”

Drescher has yet to release a statement regarding the lawsuit.

Satz is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as legal fees.

Drescher appeared on The Real Housewives of New York City for two seasons and became infamous for throwing her prosthetic leg during the show's season six finale.

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